Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says he is "gravely concerned" by reports of Israel's planned military operation in Gaza's Rafah, claiming any such move would be "catastrophic".
In a joint statement with Australia and Canada prime ministers Anthony Albanese and Justin Trudeau, Luxon urged Israel to not launch the offensive and instead engage in an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.
"About 1.5 million Palestinians are taking refuge in the area, including many of our citizens and their families. With the humanitarian situation in Gaza already dire, the impacts on Palestinian civilians from an expanded military operation would be devastating," the leaders said.
"The protection of civilians is paramount and a requirement under international humanitarian law. Palestinian civilians cannot be made to pay the price of defeating Hamas."
The trio said a ceasefire was necessary not only to allow for humanitarian assistance in Gaza, but also to secure lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians.
They also condemned Hamas and said all hostages should be released immediately.
"Ultimately, a negotiated political solution is needed to achieve lasting peace and security. Australia, Canada, and New Zealand remain steadfast in their commitment to a two-state solution, including the creation of a Palestinian state alongside Israel, where Palestinians and Israelis live side by side in peace, security, and dignity," the leaders said.
The statement comes a day after Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters also urged Israel to not undertake a ground offensive in Rafah.
"[New Zealand] believes protection of civilians is paramount. We repeat: the humanitarian consequences of an offensive in Rafah would be appalling," Peters said.
He also met with Israel's Ambassador to New Zealand earlier in the week, with Gaza a key talking point.
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