66306 (2024). Dr Lawrence Xu-Nan to the Minister of Foreign Affairs

66306 (2024). Dr Lawrence Xu-Nan to the Minister of Foreign Affairs: What tangible steps, if any, has the Minister taken to uphold our adoption of the United Nations General Assembly resolution demanding Israel to end its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory within 12 months?

Rt Hon Winston Peters: The United Nations General Assembly resolution does not impose obligations on New Zealand beyond those already existing under international law. The International Court of Justice's advisory opinion, which the General Assembly Resolution affirms, aligns with New Zealand's long-standing view that Israel's presence in the occupied Palestinian territories is unlawful. For example, New Zealand has been clear that Israel's settlements are unlawful, and that settlement expansion undermines a two-state solution. A two-state solution is the best way for Israelis and Palestinians to live side by side with security and dignity. We have established a travel ban regime against extremist Israeli settlers, and our voting record at the United Nations makes clear our support for the right of Palestinians to self-determination as well as our support for a two-state solution. New Zealand has complied with our obligations under international law at all times. We have been clear that this resolution was not perfect, and New Zealand has explained clearly at the United Nations our reservations with aspects of the text. For example, the resolution's 12-month timeframe for Israeli withdrawal from the occupied Palestinian Territory is unrealistic. We were also disappointed that the resolution goes beyond what was envisaged in the advisory opinion in some respects.