New Zealand will deploy a six-member defence team to the Middle East as part of an international coalition to uphold maritime security in the Red Sea, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said according to Reuters.

“Houthi attacks against commercial and naval shipping are illegal, unacceptable and profoundly destabilising,” Luxon said during a media briefing.

“This deployment […] is a continuation of New Zealand’s long history of defending freedom of navigation both in the Middle East and closer to home.”

No New Zealand defence personnel will enter Yemen or get involved in any combat but will contribute to the collective self-defence of ships in the Middle East, in accordance with international law, Luxon said.

Foreign Minister Winston Peters said New Zealand’s actions should not be conflated with its position on Israel’s bombardment of Gaza.

“Any suggestion our ongoing support for maritime security in the Middle East is connected to recent developments in Israel and the Gaza Strip is wrong,” Peters said.