Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says Government’s support for a two-state solution is where Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace.
Addressing mounting church and civil society criticism over plans to open a Jerusalem embassy later this month, he said in a statement that Fiji’s foreign policy was guided by neutrality, respect for international law, and a commitment to peace.
“Fiji has maintained longstanding diplomatic relations with Israel while also supporting the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people,” he said.
When asked to comment on concerns raised by the NGO Coalition on Human Rights, the Prime Minister’s Office referred The Fiji Times to the same statement.
Mr Rabuka said Fiji condemns all forms of violence against civilians and stands with the international community in calling for humanitarian relief for those affected.
“Establishing a mission in Jerusalem or engaging diplomatically with Israel does not mean endorsing war or harm,” he said.
“It is an act of engagement intended to build bridges and promote dialogue.
“Our support for any nation is never a sanctioning of violence.”
The Prime Minister said the decision to open Fiji’s Embassy in Jerusalem was made by the Government of Fiji as a sovereign state, not driven by religious or external pressures.
“Fiji will always stand for peace, justice, and human dignity.
“We may hold different views at home, but we are one people with one prayer, and that is for peace.
“Let us remain united as Fiji shows the world that we can truly be an Ocean of Peace.”
The NGO Coalition on Human Rights has accused the Government of sidelining Fijians in its push to open a Jerusalem embassy later this month.
“The Coalition Government appears to be callously ignoring the unfolding famine and mass starvation in Gaza that is being deliberately orchestrated by the state of Israel,” said coalition chairperson Shamima Ali.
Ms Ali cited the report of two pre-eminent world elders, Mary Robinson (former President of Ireland and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights) and Helen Clark (former Prime Minister of Aotearoa–New Zealand and former Head of UNDP), who visited the Rafah Crossing into Gaza from Egypt.
“What we heard and witnessed left no doubt: this obstruction of aid is a deliberate policy of the Israeli government. This is not the chaos of war, nor the result of an environmental disaster. It is intentional and it is driving what I believe is an unfolding genocide,” Ms Robinson reported.
Ms Ali said that in the eyes of the world, Fiji will be seen as a country that supports the apartheid and pariah state of Israel, and its genocide in Gaza.
