While speaking at the Eightieth session of the United Nations General Assembly over the weekend, Foreign Minister Winston Peters announced that New Zealand would not be recognising a Palestinian state at this point in time.
Peters’ rationale was that Hamas’s leadership in Gaza would make recognising Palestine an unwise move for New Zealand to make at this point, additionally stating that it could trigger a reaction from Israel that would lead to more aggressive policies in both Gaza and the West Bank, subsequently threatening the two state solution.
However, with more than 40% of the New Zealand public expressing support for Palestinian recognition and for stronger action to be taken against Israel for their actions in Gaza, which the The United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory has officially referred to as a genocide, this decision by Peters’ has been the subject of widespread controversy amongst activists, experts and a large portion of the general public.
Additionally, despite claiming to take a more balanced and calculated approach to Israel’s genocide in Gaza, Winston Peters’ decision at the UN General Assembly has placed New Zealand within a small handful of western nations who have refused to recognise Palestine, with the United Kingdom, France, Canada and our close Ally Australia all announcing their recognition of Palestine shortly before.
For our weekly catchup with the Green Party’s Ricardo Menendez-March, Oto spoke to him about Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ decision not to recognise Palestine at the UN General Assembly.
They also spoke about the government’s decision last week to resume oil and gas exploration across Aotearoa.
While speaking at the Eightieth session of the United Nations General Assembly over the weekend, Foreign Minister Winston Peters announced that New Zealand would not be recognising a Palestinian state at this point in time.
Peters’ rationale was that Hamas’s leadership in Gaza would make recognising Palestine an unwise move for New Zealand to make at this point, additionally stating that it could trigger a reaction from Israel that would lead to more aggressive policies in both Gaza and the West Bank, subsequently threatening the two state solution.
Aotearoa for Palestine, the organisers behind the march for humanity, have condemned Winston Peters’ announcement, saying it was indicative of the government’s complicity in Israel’s genocide in Gaza and that the upcoming march across the Auckland harbour bridge will be held in opposition to the announcement, as well as to call for sanctions on Israel.
Oto spoke with Heba Mortaja from Aotearoa for Palestine to discuss Winston Peters' UN Address and his refusal to recognise Palestinian statehood.
Yesterday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netenyahu was greeted by United States President Donald Trump at the White House to discuss many things, including ending the war in Gaza. After a lengthy talk, the leaders announced to the press the conditions they had come up with to offer to Hamas, despite no Palestinian or Hamas officials being present.
The proposal calls for an immediate ceasefire, a swap of hostages held by Hamas and prisoners held by Israel, a staged Israeli withdrawal from the Palestinian territory and demands that Hamas immediately disarms and renounces any governance in the strip. The US President’s plan would also establish a temporary governing board that would be headed by Trump himself and would include former United Kingdom Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Trump then announced Hamas had three or four days to respond to the deal, and Netenyahu promised that if Hamas were to reject the deal, he would “finish the job” in Gaza.
To talk about the peace proposal led by Donald Trump and if it brings the war in Gaza any closer to ending, Producer Max spoke to co-chair of the Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa John Minto and retired professor in international relations Stephen Hoadley.
For our monthly catch up with The Green Party, Rosetta and Milly have a kōrero with Steve Abel about the recent resignations of Benjamin Doyle and Green Party Chief of Staff, the government reopening applications for offshore gas and oil exploration, and the nitrate emergency declared in the Canterbury region. Whakarongo mai nei!
Rosetta and Milly have a kōrero with Cory Champion, of Clear Path Ensemble - who are playing The Others Way Festival this year on November 29! Check out the latest lineup announcement and get tickets here. Whakarongo mai nei!
Happy Rāapa e hoa mā! At long last, Rosetta and Milly are reunited on the airwaves to bring you another bangin' Brekkie show. E whai ake nei: What's Up with Steve Abel, a kōrero with Cory Champion about The Others Way Festival 2025, and a chance to win tickets to Pumpkinhead and Community Garden! Whakarongo mai nei!
Playlist
Al Green - Let's Stay Together
M. Sage - Witch Grass
Pinchado & Tribilin Sound - Cumbia Ritual
Alfa Mist - Avoid The Drones
Automatic - PlayBoi
Living Perfection - Ti Si Moj Dom
LEIGH - I Still Love the Moon
FKA Twigs - Cheap Hotel
John Tejada - Vaporail
Pearly* - Limousine
Our Beloved Ditch - Backgammon
AW - Thief of Joy
Park Flyers - The Wall
Dick Move - Scared OId Men
Alphabethead - Finger Dance
Ay Si - SO CLOSEEE*
Goldie, Rufige Kru - Pest Control
Lila Tirando a Violeta, G3 - Heavy is the Soul (G3 Remix)
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