New Zealand resumes Sinai peacekeeping force leadership

New Zealand will again contribute to the leadership of the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) in the Sinai Peninsula, Egypt, with a senior NZDF officer returning as Interim Force Commander.

Defence Minister Andrew Little and Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta announced on 02 October that New Zealand Army officer Major General Evan Williams will take on the role. The NZDF will also deploy two additional personnel to support him.

MAJGEN Williams will lead the MFO for up to six months from October. He previously led the organisation for three-and-a-half years from 2019.

“Major General Williams is highly qualified for this interim role and is held in high regard within the MFO,” Andrew Little said. “This is a reflection of New Zealand’s standing in the world and the trust our partners place in New Zealand.”

The MFO is a neutral arbiter in monitoring the security provisions of the 1979 Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty. It comprises 1,100 international military personnel and an additional 700 local civilian staff.

New Zealand has maintained a consistent military presence in the MFO since its formation in 1982 and two New Zealanders have previously held the Force Commander role – Major General Don McIver in 1989-91 and Major General Warren Whiting in 2010-14.

With 28 personnel, New Zealand’s contribution to the MFO is one of the country’s most significant current commitments to Middle East regional stability and the international rules-based system. This contribution is mandated until 30 September 2024.

Calls for humanitarian pause in Gaza

In a 25 October statement to the UN Security Council, New Zealand has joined others in the international community calling for a humanitarian pause in Gaza and the immediate establishment of humanitarian corridors and safe areas to protect innocent civilians living in the Gaza strip.

“The provision of essential support to innocent civilians living in Gaza, such as food, water, fuel, and shelter, as well as the facilitation of humanitarian aid is an obligation under the Fourth Geneva Convention that must be upheld immediately,”

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said.

“We call on all parties to the conflict to commit to a humanitarian pause and for Israel and Egypt to use a cessation of hostilities to rapidly facilitate unimpeded humanitarian assistance to civilians living in Gaza.

“Humanitarian corridors must be established in order for sufficient aid to regularly flow into Gaza, and safe areas must be put in place that are free from military targeting to provide a refuge for innocent civilians who have nowhere to go.”

“It’s intolerable to see civilians continue to suffer disproportionately as innocent victims of this conflict,” said Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta.

New Zealand supports the right of Israel to defend itself against Hamas’s terrorist attacks, but the way it does so matters. It must abide by international law, exercise restraint, and prioritise the protection of civilians.

Ultimately there is no military solution that will bring about a just and lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians.”