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The head of the Pukekohe Islamic Centre, Rashid Khan, says he is ‘sad’ the New Zealand Government refuses to recognise Palestine as a sovereign state.
Foreign Minister Winston Peters declared New Zealand’s stance on Palestine at the convening of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at UN headquarters in New York on September 27.
“With a war raging, Hamas remaining the de facto government of Gaza, and no clarity on next steps, too many questions remain about the future State of Palestine for it to be prudent for New Zealand to announce recognition at this time,” Peters said in a statement on Saturday.
“We are also concerned that a focus on recognition, in the current circumstances, could complicate efforts to secure a ceasefire by pushing Israel and Hamas into even more intransigent positions.
“New Zealand continues to call out all actions being taken by both Israel and Hamas which prolong the conflict, prevent a political solution, and seek to extinguish the viability of a Palestinian state.
“New Zealand has long been a staunch advocate of the two-state solution and a defender of Palestinians’ right to self-determination,” Peters said.
He said New Zealand’s position remains that it was a matter of when, not if we recognise the State of Palestine.
“Like every other New Zealand Government over the past 80 years, we hold the position that we will recognise a Palestinian state when the time is right.”
Khan, who is the secretary and trustee of the Pukekohe Islamic Centre, told the Franklin Times that New Zealand’s position on Palestine is like “crushing humans with concrete.”
“It will lead to more oppression in Palestine. What Israel is doing is not supported by all of the UN. They [Israel] should not be doing it.”
“We, as a community, are very sad about it. We don’t know what’s going to happen. Palestine used to be a free state, and we support a free state of Palestine.
“We are really surprised Winston Peters made this decision, which we don’t support,” Khan said.
“He should think about his words again.”
Peters did acknowledge the UN partners who had chosen to recognise Palestine and committed to deliver more aid to Gaza.
“Some of our close partners have chosen to recognise Palestine, and others have not. We do not question the good intentions of those who have chosen to recognise Palestine at this time. Indeed, we have a shared objective of trying to help bring about a two-state solution.
“Where we differ with some of our partners is on the issue of whether recognition now by New Zealand will make a tangible, positive contribution to the realisation of a two-state solution.”
Peters said New Zealand remains committed to doing its part to alleviate the immense suffering in Gaza.
“The international community must retain its focus on the very urgent and practical challenge of getting as much humanitarian assistance as possible into Gaza. For that reason, we are providing $10 million more to international humanitarian partners to deliver emergency supplies into Gaza.
“New Zealand repeats our call for an immediate ceasefire; unfettered access for humanitarian supplies into Gaza; all sides to adhere to international law; a two-state solution as a result of a comprehensive political settlement; and an end by Israel to all illegal settlement activity and current military action.”
