New Zealand to Weigh Palestinian State Recognition in September

New Zealand’s government will formally consider whether to recognise a Palestinian state at a cabinet meeting in September, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and the foreign minister said at a Wellington press briefing. The decision would mark a significant shift in the country’s Middle East policy; until now Wellington has supported a two-state solution in principle without extending formal diplomatic recognition. Luxon added that he expects a unified cabinet position and stressed that there is “no role for Hamas” in any future Palestinian state—a stance echoed hours earlier by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Both leaders framed the exclusion of the militant group as essential to the credibility of Palestinian institutions. Separately, Luxon said he sees little prospect of Washington easing the 15% tariff currently applied to New Zealand exports, signalling limited relief for exporters despite ongoing trade talks.