Posted on 26 January 2024
The New Zealand government has announced the deployment of a six-member Defence Force team to the Middle East, tasked with upholding maritime security in the Red Sea no later than 31 July 2024. The government asserts that this move is unrelated to recent developments in Israel and the Gaza Strip, highlighting that the international coalition's strikes specifically target Houthi military positions responsible for attacks on commercial and naval vessels. The deployment aims to support international security and the free flow of trade, which is crucial for New Zealand's interests.
However, the decision has sparked political tensions, with both the Labour and Greens parties expressing concerns about escalating risks. Opposition members are calling for a more detailed risk assessment and increased transparency regarding the government's strategic objectives in the region. The Green Party cautioned that the deployment is likely to inflame tensions, while the Labour Party stated there was no UN mandate for the strikes.