Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has affirmed Israel’s right to defend itself amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, maintaining Fiji’s support for the nation. In an interview, Rabuka expressed sorrow over the loss of life in the region, which he deems a consequence of efforts to maintain peace.
When asked about Israel’s operations targeting densely populated areas in the Gaza Strip, where many women and children reside, the Prime Minister reiterated Israel’s right to self-defense. He emphasized that, while no life should be lost, the complexities of the situation prevent straightforward solutions.
Historically, Rabuka noted, human costs often accompany the pursuit of peace, stability, and order, leading to unfortunate losses. He defined peace as the absence of fear and stressed the importance of conducting international affairs to achieve this objective.
In related remarks, Australia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong described the Middle Eastern situation as divisive, distressing, and tragic. She highlighted Australia’s commitment to discussing these matters with respect for differing viewpoints while striving to promote peace and stability in the region. Wong expressed Australia’s goal of contributing to a peaceful, stable, and prosperous domain.
Meanwhile, the Israeli Defense Force reported that it targeted Hamas command centers located near two schools in the Gaza Strip, specifically the al-Zahraa School and the Abdel Fattah Hamoud School. Additionally, Palestine’s Wafa news agency reported that an Israeli attack on the Bureij refugee camp resulted in the deaths of at least 15 Palestinians.