Robert Patman: Otago University Professor for International Relations on whether NZ needs to make a proper statement on Palestine - Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

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."

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