Tensions escalate as an israeli minister rebukes New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon over his criticism of Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the war in Gaza.

Luxon’s remarks, delivered on Wednesday, decried the conflict as “utterly, utterly appalling” and accused Netanyahu of disregarding international concerns.

Luxon stated, “I think Netanyahu has gone way too far. I think he has lost the plot.”

In response, Israel’s deputy foreign affairs minister, Sharren Haskel, took to X to express her disapproval. She suggested that Luxon, given New Zealand’s perceived lack of meaningful military threats, fails to grasp the complexities of confronting Hamas.

haskel said, “I guess when you don’t really need an army as your most deadly enemy is a possum or a cat, you wouldn’t comprehend the challenges that come wiht facing Hamas – a jihadist death cult – only a few kms away from your country, that rape, execute, burn alive and starve your people.”

Luxon defended his stance, emphasizing that his language has been consistent.

“What you have seen is Israel not listening to the global community at all. We have asked for humanitarian assistance to be delivered unfettered. It hasn’t happened,” he stated. “We have said a forceable displacement of people and an annexation of Gaza would be a breach of international law. We have called these things out consistently, time and time again.”

The New zealand government is presently considering the recognition of Palestinian statehood, a matter under consideration ahead of the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in New York.

A number of nations, including Canada, Australia, France, and the United Kingdom, have recently declared their intention to recognize a Palestinian state.

The New zealand Jewish Council has voiced concerns that recognizing a Palestinian state prematurely could destabilize the region.

Juliet Moses, the council’s president, maintained that while the council supports a two-state solution, premature recognition could hamper peace efforts.

Moses added, “We acknowledge and welcome the government’s stated support for the release of all Israeli hostages, the disarmament and removal from power of Hamas, and the normalisation of relations between israel and the Palestinians. These are vital steps. Recognizing a Palestinian state without those conditions being met removes incentives for progress and does not explain what will happen if they are not achieved.”