Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka announced that the Fijian Government has issued advisories for citizens to evacuate areas affected by escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. In an interview, Rabuka affirmed the government’s commitment to the safety of its people and peacekeepers who are tasked with promoting peace in conflict regions worldwide.
He noted that Fijians were aware of the risks involved before the situation intensified. Despite the tensions in the Middle East, Rabuka confirmed Fiji’s ongoing position, emphasizing that the Israel-Iran conflict is a bilateral issue. However, Fiji will continue its peacekeeping efforts in collaboration with the United Nations.
Rabuka emphasized the necessity of respecting territorial integrity, a principle recognized by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon. He remarked that countries had retraced to their internationally recognized boundaries, yet violations have occurred, and nations retain the right to defend their citizens and territories.
Since 1978, Fiji has participated in peacekeeping missions and will continue until the UN withdraws from conflict areas. The Prime Minister reassured that Fijian peacekeepers on duty would remain deployed to uphold stability in the Middle East.
In related developments, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Iran would face consequences for its actions following missile strikes. The Israeli government is considering a variety of retaliatory strategies, which may include strikes on Iranian oil refineries, military facilities, or nuclear sites. Meanwhile, U.S. President Joe Biden has expressed support for Israel’s right to respond, while stressing that any actions taken should be proportional.