One international relations expert says New Zealand needs to make up its mind on Palestinian statehood fairly quickly. 

Australia today promised to recognise Palestinian statehood at the UN General Assembly in September.

Our Government says it's still weighing options - and will decide over the next month. 

Otago University's Robert Patman says it'll be pondering whether recognition will strengthen or weaken Hamas.

But he says New Zealand should not dilly-dally. 

"I thin there's a danger of mismatch between the gravity of the situation in Gaza and the West Bank, and the New Zealand Government's 'wait-and-see' response."

LISTEN ABOVE

• Israel criticises PM Starmer's plan to recognise a Palestinian state 
• Former PM Helen Clark calls for Palestine to be recognised by NZ Government
• Israel-Palestine conflict: Palestine Solidarity Network warns statehood recognition won't solve wider issue
• Australia to recognise Palestinian statehood in September - report