New Zealand has taken a significant step by officially designating the Palestinian group Hamas as a terrorist entity, extending this designation to encompass the entire organization, not just its military wing. This decision was prompted by what Prime Minister Christopher Luxon described as “brutal” attacks orchestrated by Hamas on Israel in October, leading to a condemnation of these actions.
The country has also imposed travel bans on “extremist” Israeli settlers involved in violent attacks against Palestinians in the West Bank.Luxon clarified that while New Zealand condemns the actions of Hamas, this designation does not reflect on the broader Palestinian population, emphasizing the distinction between the organization and the Palestinian people worldwide.
Foreign Minister Winston Peters highlighted the challenge in differentiating between Hamas’s military and political wings, asserting that the entire organization bears responsibility for the October attacks.In response to this designation, New Zealand has criminalized property or financial transactions with Hamas and frozen any assets the organization may have within the country.
Despite these measures, the government remains committed to providing humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza and offering consular support to New Zealand citizens and permanent residents in conflict zones.Prime Minister Luxon expressed grave concern over the surge in extremist violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians, stating that such violence exacerbates an already fragile situation and hinders peace efforts in the region.
New Zealand’s stance aligns with its longstanding position that Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories violate international law. The government reiterated its support for a future Palestinian state as part of a negotiated two-state solution, emphasizing the urgent need to end the current conflict and resume peace efforts in the Middle East.
