Foreign Minister gives speech to United Nations General Assembly Peters calls Gaza war ‘utter catastrophe’
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has told the United Nations General Assembly the war in Gaza is an “utter catastrophe” that has left the Palestinian territory a “wasteland”.
Peters spoke about Israel’s ongoing offensive in Gaza at the UN General Assembly in New York, overnight yesterday. He was scheduled to speak immediately after Russia, China, Israel, and Palestine gave their speeches to the 193 countries that make up the General Assembly.
In the speech, Peters criticised the UN Security Council for failing to act decisively in response to the war, acknowledged Israel’s “belated announcements” it would provide more aid, and re-stated New Zealand’s support for a two-state solution to Israel-Palestinian issue.
He began the speech by condemning Palestinian terror organisation Hamas for its “heinous” attacks on Israelis on October 7, but said “at the same time, the facts on the ground in Gaza are absolutely clear”.
“More than 32,000 people have been killed. Millions have been displaced. Warnings ring in our ears that famine in Gaza is imminent.
“Gaza, which was already facing huge challenges before this conflict, is now a wasteland. Worse still, another generation of young Palestinians – already scarred by violence – is being further traumatised.”
Peters said Israel could not “be under any misconceptions as to its legal obligations” after the International Court of Justice last month ordered unimpeded aid be allowed into Gaza.
“New Zealand is gravely concerned by repeated indications from Israel that it may soon launch a military offensive into Rafah. Palestinian civilians must not be made to pay the price of defeating Hamas.
“The risks of the wider region being further drawn into this conflict also remain alarmingly high. We strongly urge regional actors, including Iran, to exercise maximum restraint.”
He said the use of the “veto” by countries on the UN Security Council had prevented decisive action. The United States, China, and Russia have all vetoed various resolutions put forward about the war.
“This has seen the council fail in its responsibility to maintain international peace and security,” Peters said.
“New Zealand is a long-standing opponent of the use of the veto.
“New Zealand welcomed Resolution 2728, which demanded an immediate ceasefire for the month of Ramadan, leading to a lasting sustainable ceasefire. We call on all parties to this conflict to comply with Resolution 2728 without delay.”
In a criticism of Israeli settlement practices, Peters said New Zealand did not accept that Israel could achieve peace and security as it took more territory from a future Palestinian state.
“There is overwhelming support in the international community – including from New Zealand – for a twostate solution.
“Achieving this will require serious negotiations by the parties and must involve a Palestinian state.”
Peters remains in the United States for the remainder for the week for highlevel meetings with UN and US officials.