Ministry Statements & Speeches:
New Zealand extends its thanks to Jordan, Egypt, and the United Nations for convening this important conference.
The situation in Gaza is an utter catastrophe. The human toll of this conflict is devastating.
New Zealand remains gravely concerned by the humanitarian crisis resulting from the conflict. We continue to advocate for safe, rapid, and unimpeded humanitarian access into and throughout Gaza.
Improved and sustained access is desperately needed to allow the necessary aid and assistance to reach the civilian population.
Israel must do everything in its power to facilitate this, to meet its obligations under international humanitarian law and comply with the binding provisional measures imposed by the International Court of Justice.
New Zealand remains committed to supporting the humanitarian response and has provided NZ$17 million in assistance since 7 October. We have supported the responses of the World Food Programme, International Committee of the Red Cross, UNICEF, and the United Nations 2720 Mechanism for Gaza. We have also continued our regular annual contributions to UNRWA.
New Zealand repeats our calls for an immediate de-escalation and a focus on the needs of the moment: a ceasefire, which would facilitate a surge of additional, necessary humanitarian assistance to be delivered to civilians in desperate need, and the release of all hostages.
In this regard we welcome United Nations Security Council Resolution 2735 passed last night by international consensus.
New Zealand welcomes the considerable effort of international partners to achieve this, and we condemn any moves to prolong this conflict and the human suffering it brings.
All parties should seize the opportunity for peace.