Phil Goff: Former Foreign Minister on the decision to recognise Palestine as a state, call for further action

A critical decision lies before New Zealand on whether to recognise Palestinian statehood. 

Australia's pledged to recognise Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September, following suit with countries like France, Canada, and the UK. 

Our Foreign Minister Winston Peters has confirmed we will reach a formal decision next month.

Former Foreign Minister Phil Goff told Mike Hosking the move would send a message to Israel its action is unacceptable, and would affirm the Palestinian people's rights to a homeland.  

He says it supports a two state solution, which New Zealand backs and which Israel itself agreed to more than 30 years ago. 

Goff says it's a measure we should take, but it won't resolve the appalling things happening to the Palestinian people.  

He says New Zealand should be doing more to back up its words with action, as we tend to talk-the-talk without having the guts to do anything about it.  

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.