Israel's security cabinet on Wednesday said if Hamas did not release more hostages as planned this weekend, it would resume fighting in the Palestinian territory. Photo: Samuel Rillstone / RNZ
Foreign Minister Winston Peters says he's spoken with his Israeli counterpart about the importance of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
Both ministers had posted to social media, confirming they shared a phone call on Thursday morning about the situation in Gaza and other regional developments.
In his statement, Peters said they discussed "the importance of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, and the need for its full implementation".
"This includes the release of all hostages in Gaza and a surge of humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians," his X account said.
The first phase of the ceasefire agreement was due to expire next month.
But Israel's security cabinet on Wednesday said if Hamas did not release more hostages as planned this weekend, it would resume fighting in the Palestinian territory.
Hamas earlier said it was halting releases because it said Israel had breached the terms of the deal, something Israel denied.
Peters also reiterated New Zealand's "long-standing call" for all parties to "take meaningful steps towards a two-state solution".
"[It's] the only option for achieving lasting peace," he said.
In his post, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said he thanked Peters for New Zealand designating Hamas and Yemen's Houthis as terrorist organisations.
"I emphasized our commitment to release our hostages, who face torture and starvation," he wrote.
"I hope to strengthen bilateral relations and invited my counterpart to visit Israel."
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