Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has affirmed Israel’s right to defend itself against threats in the Middle East, reiterating Fiji’s consistent support for the nation. In an interview, Rabuka expressed sorrow over the significant loss of life attributed to the ongoing conflict, which complicates efforts toward regional peace.
When asked about Fiji’s stance on Israel’s military actions in densely populated regions of the Gaza Strip, particularly in areas with women and children, the Prime Minister maintained that Israel has the right to self-defense. He lamented the high human cost associated with the pursuit of peace and stability, recognizing that, historically, human lives have often been sacrificed in this quest.
Rabuka emphasized that true peace is characterized by the absence of fear, and he stressed the importance of pursuing international relations aimed at achieving security without fear.
In a related context, Australia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Senator Penny Wong described the ongoing issues in the Middle East as divisive and tragic. She noted Australia’s commitment to discussing these matters respectfully, irrespective of differing viewpoints, and highlighted the country’s efforts to promote peace and stability in the region.
Wong affirmed Australia’s role as a middle power, striving to contribute positively to the global quest for a peaceful and prosperous region.
In the meantime, the Israeli Defence Force reported targeting Hamas command centers within the proximity of two schools in the Gaza Strip, namely al-Zahraa School and Abdel Fattah Hamoud School, as part of their military actions. Additionally, the Palestinian Wafa news agency indicated that recent Israeli strikes on the Bureij refugee camp resulted in the deaths of at least 15 Palestinians.