ZB ZB
Opinion
Live now
Start time
Playing for
End time
Listen live
Listen to NAME OF STATION
Up next
Listen live on
ZB

Explained: What does recognising a Palestinian state mean?

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Mon, 22 Sept 2025, 6:00pm
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Explained: What does recognising a Palestinian state mean?

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Mon, 22 Sept 2025, 6:00pm

One expert has offered clarification around what recognising Palestine as a state means, ahead of New Zealand's decision. 

Canada, the UK, and Australia have now formally recognised an independent Palestinian state.

Winston Peters is in New York for the UN General Assembly and will reveal New Zealand's position later this week.

Australia National University lecturer, Dr Anas Iqtait, says this means recognising a hypothetical Palestinian state - which would occupy the West Bank, Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip. 

"This symbolic nature is really related to this reality, rather than the other point - which is, there isn't currently sovereignty on the ground, it's a hypothetical state."

LISTEN ABOVE

Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you