Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of New Zealand

06/15/2026 | Press release | Archived content

62nd regular session of the Human Rights Council Interactive Dialogue with Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem and in Israel

Ministry Statements & Speeches: 15 June 2026

Delivered by Senior Adviser Madison Edilson.

Thank you, Mr President,

As the world has focused on the Iran conflict, the situation across the occupied Palestinian territories has also deteriorated.

We are deeply concerned by the Commission's reports of serious abuses of human rights by non-state actors. This includes a stark increase in killings and injuries by extremist Israeli settlers.

These acts of violence in the West Bank occur with impunity. We urge Israel to do all that it can to stop these actions and ensure those responsible are held accountable.

We condemn unequivocably the ongoing violence inflicted by Palestinian armed militants associated with Hamas, including in medical facilities, public executions and beatings.

The violence stands alongside the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. The level of desperation is striking. 46% of children under two experience severe food poverty; in April alone 3,500 children were admitted to hospital suffering malnutrition.

We urge all parties to continue to give effect to UNSC resolution 2803. We urge Israel to allow humanitarian assistance into and throughout Gaza, in line with its obligations under international law.

Mr President, what more can the international community do to alleviate the suffering of the people of Gaza, and bring an end to the violence?

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