New Zealand PM Slams Netanyahu's Gaza Strategy as 'Lost the Plot'

New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has sharply condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of going “way too far” in the war on Gaza and declaring that the humanitarian situation is “utterly unacceptable.”

Speaking to reporters, Luxon criticized the “forceful displacement of people,” lack of aid, and what he described as the annexation of Gaza.

“I think he has lost the plot,” said Luxon, who leads a center-right coalition. “The attack on Gaza City overnight was utterly, utterly unacceptable.”

The remarks come as the New Zeland government weighs whether to formally recognize a Palestinian state. Earlier this week, Luxon confirmed the issue is under consideration, following Australia’s decision to join Canada, the UK, and France in announcing plans to recognize Palestine at a UN conference in September.

Pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside New Zealand’s parliament ahead of Wednesday’s session, banging pots and chanting, “MPs grow a spine, recognize Palestine,” according to local outlet Stuff.

Inside the chamber, tensions escalated when Green Party MP Chlöe Swarbrick was expelled for a second consecutive day. She had refused to apologize for suggesting government MPs were “spineless” for opposing a bill to sanction Israel over alleged war crimes. Swarbrick was formally suspended after refusing to leave, calling out “free Palestine” as she exited.

House Speaker Gerry Brownlee said her remarks violated parliamentary standards.

“There has never been a time where personal insults like that were accepted in this House, and I’m not going to start accepting it,” he told lawmakers.