New Zealand to decide on Palestinian state recognition ‘by September’

WELLINGTON: New Zealand will decide by September whether to recognise a Palestinian state, the government said, after signalling a cautious and consultative approach to a fraught and fast-moving situation in the region.

Officials state the decision will be guided by long-standing support for a negotiated two-state solution but will also depend on assessments of whether the conditions for a variable state are met.

Read more: Global Sumud Flotilla: Greta Thunberg to sail again to ‘break Gaza siege’

Those assessments are expected to consider security arrangements, political governance, economic stability and diplomatic readiness.

The debate exposed deep divisions within the New Zealand government. Politicians across the spectrum and members of the public hold strongly held view about the timings and implications of a recognition.

Politicians within the New Zealand government indicated they will canvass a wide range of perspectives over the coming week, seeking to strike a ‘balance’ between principle and prudence before the government makes a formal decision.

Regional developments added a sense of urgency to the situation, as well. Australia declared it will recognise Palestine at the forthcoming United Nations (UN) General Assembly.

The humanitarian crisis are critical in the Gaza strip, with several human rights organisations labelling Israeli actions in the blockaded region as war crimes. A report by Amnesty International has called Israeli aggression and indiscriminate killings of civilians, including children, in the enclave as a genocide.

Several politicians within the New Zealand, however, argue that the recognition must see the ‘demilitarisation’ of militant groups and their exclusion from the future governance in Gaza – despite the fact the region is completely decimated and has no functioning government.

Supporters of early recognition argue it could bolster moderate authorities and advance diplomatic efforts towards a permanent arrangement.

Read more: Netanyahu to start new Gaza offensive soon, as hunger death tally reaches 217

Critics argue that recognising a Palestinian state while ‘armed groups’ remain influential risks being interpreted as rewarding ‘violence’.

New Zealand might be waiting for a signal from the international community before finally getting off the fence on either side.