New Zealand has condemned violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinian civilians and called for an end to the expansion of settlements in the West Bank, while stopping short of joining the United Kingdom, France and Canada in banning trade linked to Israeli settlements.
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters said New Zealand was “deeply concerned” about the deteriorating situation in the West Bank, warning that an escalation in Israel’s actions was jeopardising the prospect of durable peace.
“New Zealand strongly condemns violence by settlers against Palestinian civilians and calls for accountability for those responsible,” Peters said.
He said New Zealand was joining international partners in calling on Israel’s government to end the expansion of settlements, prevent and address settler violence and refrain from actions that further undermine prospects for peace.
However, Peters said New Zealand was not in a position to introduce a trade ban before the country’s election. He said New Zealand had not traditionally used trade measures to address foreign policy issues and that such a move would require a full policy process.
A spokesperson for Peters said New Zealand had already imposed travel bans on 38 Israeli settlers, including two Israeli ministers, with the latest measures announced in June.
The New Zealand position comes as the UK, France and Canada move towards restricting imports linked to Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
New Zealand’s government says its existing targeted measures and diplomatic position reflect its approach, while it is not pursuing a broader trade ban at this stage.
