Wellington: New Zealand reaffirmed its support Tuesday for Palestinian self-determination and a two-state solution, while condemning escalating settler violence in the West Bank, according to a statement on US social media platform X. Foreign Minister Winston Peters expressed concern for those affected by escalating settler violence and discussed the situation in the Gaza Strip, and steps the international community can take to advance the peace plan with Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin.

According to Anadolu Agency, Shahin wrote on X that she welcomed New Zealand's support for Palestinian self-determination and a two-state solution. The call came one day after Peters expressed concern about escalating Israeli occupier violence and the expansion of illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank during a call with his Israeli counterpart, Gideon Saar.

International concern has been mounting about settler attacks against Palestinians in the West Bank. The UN has documented more than 1,430 settler attacks since the beginning of 2026, affecting 260 Palestinian communities. The violence, together with demolitions and evictions, has displaced 3,800 Palestinians, roughly half of them children.

The Palestinian Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission said illegal settlers carried out 628 attacks against Palestinians, their land and property in August. Around 750,000 settlers live in illegal settlements and outposts in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, according to Palestinian figures.