Islamabad: New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters has raised concerns over escalating Israeli settler violence and the expansion of illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank during a phone call with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar.
Peters “expressed New Zealand’s concern at the escalation in settler violence and expansion of illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank, and at the humanitarian situation in Gaza,” his office said in a statement on X on Monday.
He also reiterated New Zealand’s “long-standing support for Israel’s right to live in security,” while stressing Wellington’s position that lasting security is best achieved through a two-state solution.
Peters said he expected to speak soon with Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin.
The conversation came amid growing international concern over attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.
According to the United Nations, more than 1,430 settler attacks have been documented since the beginning of 2026, affecting around 260 Palestinian communities. Settler violence, demolitions and evictions have displaced approximately 3,800 Palestinians, about half of them children.
The Palestinian Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission reported that Israeli settlers carried out 628 attacks against Palestinians, their land and property in August alone.
According to Palestinian figures, around 750,000 Israeli settlers live in settlements and outposts across the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, which are considered illegal under international law.