A New Zealander recently detained by Israeli forces from a Gaza-bound flotilla has led a group of pro-Palestinian protesters in confronting Foreign Minister Winston Peters at a select committee hearing this afternoon.
Hāhona Ormsby, who took part in the Global Sumud Flotilla and was detained last month, was among demonstrators who interrupted the session.
"Is it New Zealand First, Winston? Or is it Israel First?" he could be heard saying on a live stream of the meeting.
A video recording of the select committee hearing, taking place as part of Parliament's scrutiny week, was cut shortly after the protester began speaking.
Ormsby demanded to know whether New Zealand would sanction Israel, prompting a back-and-forth with Peters, forcing the suspension of the hearing.
The protester was later escorted out of the room by security officers.
"We have instructed MFAT to call in the Israeli Ambassador today to directly pass on our grave concerns," Winston Peters said. (Source: 1News)
Another protester could be heard on Parliament's video recording later telling Peters, "Free Palestine, Winnie!" as they were walking out.
The disruption came as Peters faced questioning over New Zealand's stance on the West Bank, Gaza and the prospect of recognising Palestinian statehood.
Peters had earlier been challenged by Labour MP Damien O'Connor over why he had not spoken more strongly following International Court of Justice rulings on the West Bank.
The minister defended the Government's stance, saying he had issued a statement reasserting support for a two-state solution within the past 24 hours.
"We've been balanced on this matter," Peters said, adding that he had recently spoken to the foreign ministers of nations in the region.
"They don't find that New Zealand is down, missing or lacking in our response. In fact, they're quite the converse."
On recognising a Palestinian state, Peters described a "fascinating" conversation with the Palestinian Authority, which he said had acknowledged its own difficulties.
"They recognise that, first of all, there's no democratic tradition that they've got at the moment, and no criteria for that to happen instantly at the moment," he said, adding that establishing a state would "take some serious time".
Speaking to MPs, the Foreign Minister rejected suggestions the Government had taken a "timid" approach to Gaza, arguing its difference with allies came down to timing.
"Our difference was, it wasn't a matter of if, it was when," he said. "I don't think we've been timid at all. I think we've been logical, rational and sane about it."
He also cited allies who had moved to recognise Palestine, saying consequences should be considered.
"Every decision you make, if you've got any experience, you've got to think to yourself, 'And then what'?" Peters said.
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