Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has announced that the Fijian government has issued advisories urging citizens to evacuate areas impacted by escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. In a statement to FijiLive, he reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its citizens and peacekeepers engaged in promoting peace in conflict zones globally.
Rabuka acknowledged that Fijians were aware of the risks involved prior to the escalation of the conflict. He emphasized that Fiji maintains its stance on the regional tensions and described the situation between Israel and Iran as a bilateral issue. Nonetheless, he reaffirmed Fiji’s dedication to maintaining peace through its peacekeeping efforts with the United Nations in the Middle East.
He highlighted the importance of respecting territorial integrity, which is crucial to resolutions acknowledged by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon. Rabuka pointed out that while countries have retreated to their internationally recognized borders, violations have persisted, allowing nations the right to defend their citizens and territories.
With a history of involvement in peacekeeping since 1978, Rabuka stated that Fiji will continue its efforts until the UN withdraws from conflict-affected areas worldwide. He confirmed that Fijian personnel currently on peacekeeping missions will remain in these regions, as the government is steadfast in its commitment to peace in the Middle East.
In response to the situation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that Iran will face consequences for its actions, while the Israeli government is considering a range of retaliatory strategies, including potential strikes on Iranian oil refineries, military bases, or nuclear sites. U.S. President Joe Biden has expressed support for Israel’s right to respond but stressed the necessity for any retaliation to be proportionate.