September 17th, 2024
New Zealand's Foreign Minister, Winston Peters, has made a compelling plea for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, highlighting the dire need to halt the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in the region.
The big picture: A call for international intervention
Winston Peters underscored the severe impact of Israel's military actions on Palestinian civilians, painting a grim picture of Gaza as a "wasteland" in the aftermath of the conflict. He sharply criticised the UN Security Council for its failure to act, pointing to the repeated use of the veto by permanent members, which, in his view, has allowed the Council to shirk its responsibility in maintaining international peace and security.
“We do not accept that Israel can achieve peace and security while taking more and more territory intended for a future Palestinian state. This misguided notion must end.” pic.twitter.com/xV4hZZI98S
— Winston Peters (@NewZealandMFA) April 8, 2024
Zoom in: Condemnation and demands
Peters did not hold back in condemning Hamas for its "heinous terrorist attacks" urging the immediate release of all hostages. Furthermore, he called on Israel to facilitate safe, rapid, and unimpeded humanitarian access into and across Gaza. Expressing grave concern, Peters highlighted fears regarding Israel's indications of a possible military offensive into Rafah, stating that "Palestinian civilians should not be made to pay the price of defeating Hamas."
What's happening: Diplomatic engagements
The Foreign Minister stressed that the enduring peace and security between Israel and the Palestinians could only be realized through a two-state solution. He advocated for serious negotiations by the parties involved, emphasising the need for the establishment of a Palestinian state. Peters' schedule includes strategic meetings this week with United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in New York and Washington DC, with the situation in Gaza set to dominate discussions.
What's next: Continued diplomatic efforts
Peters' agenda in the United States underscores the New Zealand government's commitment to diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the crisis in Gaza. These high-level meetings are geared towards building consensus for a ceasefire and laying the groundwork for renewed peace talks.
The bottom line: 'We need an immediate ceasefire'
With a clear message to the international community, Peters calls for immediate action to halt the humanitarian disaster in Gaza and to resume the journey towards peace through the realization of a two-state solution.