The Green Party says the Government's decision not to recognise Palestinian statehood is cowardly, and a stain on Aotearoa's reputation as a voice for peace and justice internationally.
"This is bitterly disappointing for the many New Zealanders who wanted the Government to do the right thing and recognise a Palestinian state," says the Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson.
"Instead we get more empty words from the Government of Christopher Luxon lining up with the Trump administration over peace, justice, and self-determination.
"Palestine needs our action, and our Government needs to take a stand and send a clear message to Israel that the genocide needs to stop. The killing needs to stop!
"Tens of thousands of us marched in Auckland this month, calling on the Government to grow a spine, sanction Israel and recognise Palestinian statehood.
"Today Winston Peters stood before the UN General Assembly and offered a flourish of words to justify New Zealand doing nothing on this crisis.
"A year ago, Aotearoa stood with 123 UN Member States to support a resolution calling for sanctions against those responsible for 'unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including in relation to settler violence.'
"The Greens have drafted a Member's Bill to sanction Israel. We just need the support of six out of 68 Government MPs to make this happen.
"We must recognise Palestinian statehood and use all the tools in our kete to advance efforts to stop the merciless violence in Gaza," says Marama Davidson.
