Australia and New Zealand Unite in Condemning Israel’s Gaza City Takeover
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon have jointly urged Israel to reconsider its plan to take over Gaza City, amid global condemnation of the move.
The two leaders met in Queenstown, New Zealand, on Saturday, where they reiterated their commitment to deepening security ties and rejected possible US trade retaliation over recognising Palestinian statehood.
Strong Trans-Tasman Alliance
Luxon hailed the importance of the trans-Tasman alliance, stating that New Zealand “has no greater friend than Australia”.
Albanese echoed this sentiment, saying that “Australia and New Zealand stand together” in a rapidly changing world.
The leaders’ meeting was marked by a warm and generous welcome, which included a pōwhiri (formal Māori welcome) at Te Wharehuanui, a private retreat built by the billionaire Xero founder, Rod Drury.
Gaza City Takeover Condemned
The planned takeover of Gaza City by Israel has sparked widespread criticism, with the foreign ministers of Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Italy, and the UK releasing a joint statement condemning the move.
Both Albanese and Luxon slammed Israel’s actions, with Luxon stating that “military action is not the way to solve this problem” and Albanese calling for a ceasefire and an end to the killing.
Trade Retaliation Rejected
The leaders dismissed the possibility of US trade retaliation over recognising Palestinian statehood, with Luxon stating that New Zealand would make its own assessments based on its economic and security interests.
Albanese concurred, saying that Australia would also make sovereign decisions.
Security Ties and Chinese Influence
The two leaders discussed deepening ties in defence and security, as well as their nations’ relationships with China, which is the largest trading partner to both countries.
They acknowledged the need to cooperate with China where possible, while also disagreeing where necessary.
The meeting also touched on the deportations of New Zealanders from Australia, a long-running point of tension in the relationship.
Albanese acknowledged the issue, stating that Australia’s priority was safety, but that he expected Luxon to raise the matter.