48391 (2025). Vanushi Walters to the Minister of Foreign Affairs

48391 (2025). Vanushi Walters to the Minister of Foreign Affairs: When MFAT told Israel “several times” that it expected New Zealanders involved in the Gaza flotilla to be "treated in a manner consistent with international law", did MFAT deliver this demarche in writing, and if so, what were the titles and dates of the documents?

Rt Hon Winston Peters: The Ministry communicated its expectations to Israel in person, in writing, and over the phone. This included: - On 15 September 2025, during an accreditation visit to Israel, the New Zealand Ambassador discussed in person New Zealand's consular expectations with the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs Including that New Zealanders be treated in a manner consistent with international law. - On 24 September 2025, the New Zealand Embassy contacted the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs in writing reminding them of New Zealand's expectations regarding the participants of the Global Sumud Flotilla. - On 29 September 2025, the Embassy's Consul made phone call representations to the Head of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Consular Division. - On 29 September 2025, the Ambassador also made high-level representations on the flotilla. - On Wednesday 8 October the Consul made phone call representations to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, regarding the situation of a New Zealander, including our expectation that detained New Zealanders are treated in a manner consistent with international law. - NZ based officials have also raised the issue with the Israeli Ambassador to New Zealand.