Displaced Palestinians trying to carry on with their daily lives under harsh conditions amid the rubble left by Israeli attacks in Gaza City. Photo: Getty ImagesNew Zealand has not joined an international statement warning the humanitarian situation in Gaza is rapidly deteriorating. The statement, published overnight by the UK Foreign Office, describes conditions for civilians as "appalling" as winter approaches. A spokesperson from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister had already put New Zealand's views on the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza on the record "on a number of occasions". "We continue to call on the parties to exercise restraint, to fulfil their commitments, and to focus on the rapid and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid," they said.

Source: Otago Daily Times December 31, 2025 14:40 UTC