Former Prime Minister Helen Clark says the new Government's stance on a ceasefire in the Middle East doesn't go far enough.
New Foreign Minister Winston Peters yesterday spoke to a motion in Parliament calling on "all parties involved in the conflict — as well as countries with influence in the region — to take urgent steps towards establishing a ceasefire".
It's a shift in the Government's official position on a ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza conflict.
But Labour, the Greens and Te Pāti Māori are calling for the Government to go further in strengthening its language for an "immediate and permanent ceasefire".
Clark told Breakfast this morning that she would have liked to see more.
"Look, the Hamas terrorist attacks have to be condemned," she said. "The call for the hostages to be released is very important.
"But then, there wasn't the balance in the statement which deplored the carnage that's happening in Gaza right now.
"Not to mention in the resolution this level of destruction of a community... It's unconscionable not to mention this."
She said "we all" feel for every Israeli family with members in Hamas captivity.
"But two wrongs don't make a right," Clark said.
The ex-PM zeroed in on civilian deaths in Gaza, adding she receives messages every day from a friend in the territory.
"New Zealand needs to register a position internationally that it cannot in any way support this disproportionate response.
"It's not steps towards a ceasefire we need... We need a ceasefire."
Clark said that, around the world, everyone is paying attention to who's saying what.
"New Zealand is generally seen to be a fair and balanced country," she added.
"So not to make a fair and balanced statement, I think, does reflect on us.
"We don't need steps to a ceasefire, we need the killing to stop."
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon yesterday said a ceasefire in Gaza can only happen when both sides meet conditions.
In the motion, Parliament expressed "grave concern about the ongoing violence in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories" and to "unequivocally condemn the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7 and call for the release of all hostages".
The motion recognised "Israel's right to defend itself, acting in accordance with international law, and that all civilians be protected from armed conflict".
Additionally, it would "affirm that a lasting solution to the conflict will only be achieved by peaceful means, and that action to revive the Middle East peace process is critical".
Labour MP Phil Twyford's successful amendment to the motion added a call "for the establishment of a free and independent Palestinian state as part of a two-state solution" in any peace process.
SHARE ME