Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has announced that the Fijian Government has issued evacuation advisories for citizens in areas impacted by escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. In an interview with a local media outlet, Rabuka emphasized the government’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare of its people and peacekeepers engaged in fostering global peace in conflict-affected areas.
He noted that Fijians understood the risks when they chose to be involved in the region before the situation intensified. Despite this, Rabuka reiterated Fiji’s stance on the ongoing Middle Eastern tensions, stating that the conflict between Israel and Iran is a bilateral issue; however, Fiji will continue its peacekeeping efforts in collaboration with the United Nations.
Rabuka underscored the importance of respecting territorial integrity, which is a critical aspect of the resolution acknowledged by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon. He remarked that nations should adhere to their internationally recognized boundaries, recognizing that there have been violations over time. He affirmed that countries have the right to defend their citizens and sovereignty.
With a history of peacekeeping that dates back to 1978, Rabuka indicated that Fiji will maintain its presence in conflict zones until the United Nations decides to withdraw. He affirmed the government’s resolve to ensure that Fijian peacekeepers remain deployed in areas of conflict.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged that Iran will “pay the price” for recent missile strikes, while the Israeli government is considering various retaliatory actions, which may include strikes on key Iranian infrastructure such as oil refineries or military facilities. U.S. President Joe Biden has voiced support for Israel’s right to respond, while also stressing the need for any retaliation to be measured and proportional.