New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on Wednesday accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of having “lost the plot” over the war in Gaza, as Wellington considers formally recognising a Palestinian state.
Luxon, who leads a centre-right coalition, condemned what he described as the “utterly appalling” lack of humanitarian assistance, forced displacement of civilians, and the annexation of Gaza.
“I think he has lost the plot,” Luxon told reporters. “What we are seeing overnight, the attack on Gaza City, is utterly, utterly unacceptable.”
Earlier this week, Luxon confirmed that New Zealand was weighing recognition of a Palestinian state. Close ally Australia on Monday announced it would join Canada, the UK, and France in taking that step at a UN conference in September.
The remarks come as Britain, Canada, Australia, and several European nations jointly warned that Gaza’s humanitarian crisis had reached “unimaginable levels,” urging Israel to allow unrestricted aid into the besieged enclave.
Israel rejects claims it is responsible for the worsening hunger, alleging Hamas militants divert aid, a charge Hamas denies.
Outside New Zealand’s parliament on Wednesday, protesters banged pots and pans, chanting “MPs grow a spine, recognise Palestine.”
Inside, tensions flared for a second consecutive day as Green Party MP Chloe Swarbrick was ejected from the debating chamber for again refusing to apologise for calling government politicians “spineless” over their stance on sanctioning Israel for alleged war crimes.
Speaker Gerry Brownlee said personal insults had never been acceptable in parliamentary speeches. As she left under suspension, Swarbrick shouted, “Free Palestine.”
The developments underline mounting political and public pressure on New Zealand’s government as the Gaza war and its humanitarian fallout intensify global calls for Palestinian statehood.
Written By Rodney Mbua
