WELLINGTON, September 14, 2026 – New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters expressed his country's concern on Monday regarding the escalation of attacks by Israeli colonists and the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.

This statement was made during a phone call between Peters and his Israeli counterpart, Gideon Sa'ar, according to a statement issued by the Minister's office and published today on X.

The statement noted that Peters "expressed New Zealand's concern regarding the escalation of settler violence and the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank, as well as the humanitarian situation in Gaza."

The New Zealand Foreign Minister reaffirmed his country's "long-standing support for Israel's right to live in safety," emphasizing Wellington's view that sustainable security is achieved through a two-state solution.

He also indicated his intention to speak soon with his Palestinian counterpart, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Varsen Aghabekian Shahin.

This call takes place amidst growing international concern regarding attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.

According to United Nations data, more than 1,430 attacks carried out by Israeli settlers have been recorded since the beginning of 2026, affecting approximately 260 Palestinian communities. These attacks, alongside demolition and displacement operations, have resulted in the displacement of about 3,800 Palestinians, with children accounting for nearly half of that number. For its part, the Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission reported that Israeli settlers carried out 628 attacks against Palestinians, their lands, and their property during the month of August alone.

According to Palestinian data, approximately 750,000 Israeli settlers reside in illegal settlements and outposts scattered across the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem.

K.T