New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister, Winston Peters, has called on all parties involved in the Israeli war on Gaza, including countries that have political influence in the region, to “take urgent steps towards establishing a ceasefire."

Peters, who is also the minister of foreign affairs of New Zealand, proposed a motion on Thursday asking the parliament to acknowledge the ongoing genocide in Gaza, which allows members and political parties to debate it.

"Express grave concern at the ongoing violence in Israel and the occupied Palestinian Territories, unequivocally condemn the Hamas terrorist attack on 7 October 2023 and call for the release of all hostages, call on all parties involved in the conflict as well as all countries with influence in the region take urgent steps towards establishing a ceasefire, recognizing Israel’s right to defend itself in accordance with international law, and that all civilians be protected from armed conflict, affirm that a lasting solution to the conflict will only be achieved by peaceful means and that action to revive the Middle East Peace Process is critical," the motion said.

Throughout the debate, Damien O’Connor, Labor’s associate foreign affairs spokesperson, said that what is going on in Gaza is “nothing more than a genocide” and sought an amendment to the motion that called for an immediate ceasefire instead of "steps toward". 

Marama Davidson, co-leader of the Green Party, backed O'connor's request and added that claiming "Israel" was acting in "self-defense" was simply "grotesque".

Te Pāti Māori, a political party in New Zealand, supported the motion, but questions were raised concerning the steps the government would take to ensure the establishment of the ceasefire by co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer. 

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— New Zealand Labour (@nzlabour) December 7, 2023

The request for amendments was rejected by the governing parties, aside from Labour’s Phil Twyford, who advocated for “a just and lasting peace that recognizes the existence and self-determination of Israelis and Palestinians." The party also called for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, with recognized and clear borders and the insurance of safety and equal rights for all citizens. 

Read more: UN official says ‘apocalyptic’ situation in southern Gaza blocking aid

New Zealand recognizes Palestine

In October, and in a notable step that resonates with international calls for a fair solution to the Palestinian cause, New Zealand's Labour Party declared its commitment to granting diplomatic recognition to the state of Palestine in the event of winning an election. This promise has received backing from advocacy organizations such as Justice for Palestine and Alternative Jewish Voices.

The Labour Party's dedication involves extending an invitation to the head of the General Delegation of Palestine, enabling them to present their credentials as an Ambassador to New Zealand. This move would align New Zealand with the prevailing sentiment at the United Nations, where 139 out of 193 member states have already acknowledged Palestine's sovereignty. It's worth noting that countries recognized for their autonomous and principled foreign policies, like Sweden and Iceland, have adopted comparable actions.

Marilyn Garson, a member of Alternative Jewish Voices, underscored the significance of the historical backdrop, saying, “Remember that Palestine predates Israel. We welcome Labour’s commitment to let Palestine speak with its own diplomatic voice about its own future. That’s a prerequisite for any solution grounded in the rights of all who live between the river and the sea.”

Neil Ballantyne, who speaks on behalf of Justice for Palestine, conveyed his support for the Labour Party's position. He highlighted its congruence with the Green Party's dedication to recognizing Palestine in the event of an election victory. He remarked, “In doing so, they are continuing Aotearoa New Zealand’s tradition of taking independent and principled stances on foreign policy issues, from nuclear disarmament to standing up against apartheid.”

Read more: Almost 2 million forcibly displaced in Gaza since Oct. 7: UNRWA