Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has announced that the Fijian government is advising citizens to evacuate from areas affected by rising tensions between Israel and Iran. In a statement, Rabuka affirmed the government’s commitment to the safety of its people and peacekeepers engaged in maintaining peace in conflict zones globally.
He noted that Fijians were aware of the risks involved as the situation escalated. Rabuka reiterated Fiji’s stance on the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, emphasizing that while the conflict between Israel and Iran is primarily a bilateral issue, Fiji will continue its peacekeeping efforts in collaboration with the United Nations.
The Prime Minister underscored the importance of respecting territorial integrity, referencing the resolutions recognized by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon. He stated, “Countries withdrew to their internationally recognized boundaries and borders. However, there have been ongoing violations of these borders, and nations are entitled to defend their citizens and their territory.”
Fiji has been active in peacekeeping since 1978 and Rabuka indicated that the nation will persist in these efforts until the UN withdraws from conflict zones. He assured that Fijian uniformed personnel on duty would remain in these areas as part of the commitment to uphold peace in the Middle East.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed that Iran will “pay the price” for missile strikes against Israel. The Israeli government is considering various retaliatory options, which may include strikes on Iranian oil refineries, military facilities, or nuclear sites. U.S. President Joe Biden has expressed support for Israel’s right to respond but highlighted the need for any retaliation to remain “proportional.”