A ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza conflict is currently unrealistic, according to outgoing Prime Minister Chris Hipkins.
Speaking to Breakfast this morning, Hipkins said the war is creating "an international humanitarian crisis".
"What Hamas did was totally wrong, you know it was brutal, it was horrific. You know, Israel absolutely has a right to defend itself but they also need to act within international law and humanitarian law.
"We've set out our position in terms of making sure that there are safe zones, making sure that humanitarian supplies can get through, we are concerned about the level of risk to civilians in the Palestinian territories and we've made that position very clear."
Asked if New Zealand should use more of its power to call for a complete ceasefire, Hipkins said: "At this point I don't think that's a realistic prospect but what we have asked for is a pause on hostilities.
"We've also been very clear on our stance of humanitarian supplies, they have to be allowed through, simply shutting off humanitarian supplies isn't acceptable."
New Zealand was continuing to pursue an international position "based on our values as a country".
Last week New Zealand called for an official "humanitarian pause" to the conflict in Gaza to allow water, food, fuel and medical supply lines to be established.
The plea was made in a statement issued on behalf of New Zealand to the United Nations Security Council by New Zealand's Permanent Representative to the UN — Carolyn Schwalger — on the direction of the Government.
The outgoing Labour government consulted with the incoming National-led government on the statement.
It called for a "humanitarian pause" in Gaza, as well as the immediate establishment of humanitarian corridors and safe areas to protect innocent civilians living in the Gaza Strip.
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