New Zealand PM Says Netanyahu has ‘Lost the Plot,’ Condemns Gaza City Occupation Plan

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has issued his strongest criticism yet of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying he has “lost the plot” and condemning Israel’s plan to occupy Gaza City as “utterly unacceptable.”

Speaking Wednesday, Luxon accused Netanyahu of ignoring international calls to allow “unfettered” humanitarian aid into Gaza, warning that a forcible displacement of civilians and any annexation of the territory would breach international law. “I think Netanyahu has gone too far. I think he has lost the plot. And I think what we are seeing overnight with the attack on Gaza City is utterly, utterly unacceptable,” Luxon said. Netanyahu’s office has not yet responded.

The comments come as Luxon’s conservative coalition considers whether to join other Five Eyes security alliance members, Australia, Britain, and Canada, in recognizing a Palestinian state. The debate follows growing global outrage over Israel’s decision to expand its military campaign to seize Gaza City, restrict aid deliveries, and impose measures that humanitarian groups say are causing mass starvation.

Conditions in Gaza have deteriorated sharply. According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, at least 227 people, including 103 children, have died from malnutrition since the war began. Foreign ministers from dozens of countries warned Tuesday that suffering in Gaza has reached “unimaginable levels” and that “famine is unfolding before our eyes,” urging Israel to open access for humanitarian operations.

Netanyahu’s military takeover plan is expected to displace up to a million people, drawing condemnation from multiple world leaders. On Tuesday, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Netanyahu was “in denial” about the human toll. “He again reiterated to me what he has said publicly as well, which is to be in denial about the consequences that are occurring for innocent people,” Albanese told ABC News.

Australia has announced it will move to recognize Palestinian statehood at the United Nations General Assembly meeting in September, leaving New Zealand, alongside the United States, as one of the remaining Five Eyes members yet to make such a pledge. France’s President Emmanuel Macron has also declared that his country will recognize a Palestinian state, emphasizing the urgent need to end the war, secure humanitarian access, release hostages, and demilitarize Hamas.

The United States and Israel have rejected recognition efforts, placing Washington increasingly at odds with its Western allies over the handling of the Gaza conflict. Luxon said New Zealand will decide its stance on Palestinian statehood within a month, but the delay has drawn criticism at home from those who see it as inaction in the face of Israel’s conduct.