New Zealand Prime Minister: Netanyahu Has Lost His Mind

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said on Wednesday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had “lost his mind,” as his country considers whether to formally recognize the State of Palestine.

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Speaking to reporters, Luxon condemned “the lack of humanitarian aid, the forced displacement of civilians, and the annexation of Gaza,” describing these as “utterly appalling.” He added, “Netanyahu has gone far too far.”

Leading a center-right coalition government, Luxon continued: “I think he’s lost his senses. What we are seeing overnight – the attack on Gaza City – is absolutely unacceptable.”

Earlier this week, Luxon had stated that New Zealand was assessing the possibility of recognizing Palestine. On Monday, Australia, New Zealand’s close ally, announced it would join Canada, the United Kingdom, and France in their intention to recognize the Palestinian state during UN meetings in September.

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On Tuesday, the UK, Canada, Australia, and several European allies declared that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza had reached “unimaginable levels,” urging Israel to allow unrestricted humanitarian access to the war-torn Palestinian territory.

Israel has denied responsibility for the famine in Gaza, accusing Hamas fighters of stealing aid shipments—an accusation the group rejects.

Ahead of Wednesday’s parliamentary session, a small group of protesters gathered outside the building, banging cooking pots. Local media outlet Stuff reported that demonstrators urged MPs to “show courage and recognize Palestine.”

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Green Party MP Chlöe Swarbrick was ejected from Parliament on Tuesday after refusing to apologize for comments implying that lawmakers lacked character for not supporting a bill aimed at “sanctioning Israel for its war crimes.”

On Wednesday, she was once again ordered to leave the chamber after refusing to retract her statement. When she declined, the majority voted to suspend her.

Parliament Speaker Gerry Brownlee said: “Sixty-eight members of this House have been accused of lacking character… Such personal insults have never been accepted here, and I will not be the first to allow them.”

As she left the chamber, Swarbrick shouted: “Free Palestine.”

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