The New Zealand foreign minister and the leader of the opposition have issued short statements in response to the explosion of violence overnight in the Middle East. A surprise flurry of rocket launches from Gaza and advances from Hamas militants into Israeli towns on a Jewish holiday Saturday saw more than 250 people killed, while Israeli strikes in response killed at least 232 people in Gaza, according to the Associated Press. Israel’s prime minister said they were at war and pledged to exact an “unprecedented price”.
“Aotearoa New Zealand is deeply concerned at the outbreak of conflict between Israel and Gaza,” said the foreign minister, Nanaia Mahuta, in a social media post. “We call for the immediate cessation of violence. The protection of all civilians, and upholding of international humanitarian law is essential.”
National leader Christopher Luxon wrote: “I am shocked and saddened by the attacks overnight against Israel. We condemn these Hamas attacks on Israel and the violence and suffering being inflicted on innocent civilians. There is no justification for these attacks and Israel has a right to defend itself.”
Green Party foreign affairs spokesperson Golriz Ghahraman wrote: “The scenes in Israel are heartbreaking. Nothing justifies targeting or harming civilians. Palestinian armed groups and Israeli forces must make every effort to protect civilians now.”
The Act Party issued a statement expressing solidarity with Israel while condemning “terrorist attacks” from Hamas and rebuking Mahuta’s response. “At a time like this New Zealand needs a government which stands firm with its friends and allies. Sadly, under Labour, New Zealand stands alone in the worst possible way, with a foreign minister only able to express ‘concern’ that violence has ‘broken out’, as if it happened by chance,” said David Seymour. “In an increasingly uncertain world, New Zealand needs a government that is committed to defence, committed to working with our allies and committed to defending freedom and democracy worldwide.
Labour leader and prime minister Chris Hipkins is expected to address the situation when he speaks to media shortly before 1pm.