Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has announced that the Fijian government is advising citizens to evacuate areas impacted by the ongoing conflict amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran. In an interview, Rabuka affirmed the government’s commitment to the safety of Fijians and peacekeepers engaged in global peace efforts.
The Prime Minister explained that Fijians were aware of the risks they faced before the conflict intensified, yet reiterated that Fiji will maintain its stance regarding the situation in the Middle East. He characterized the tensions between Israel and Iran as a bilateral issue, while emphasizing Fiji’s dedication to peacekeeping missions under the auspices of the United Nations in the region.
Rabuka highlighted the importance of respecting territorial integrity, noting it aligns with resolutions acknowledged by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon. He pointed out that nations have retraced their boundaries as recognized internationally, but ongoing violations have occurred, and countries are entitled to defend their sovereignty.
Since 1978, Fiji has participated in peacekeeping operations and will continue to do so until the UN withdraws from conflict-prone areas. Rabuka confirmed that Fijian military personnel currently deployed will remain in these regions, reinforcing the government’s commitment to maintaining peace in the Middle East.
In the backdrop of these developments, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has promised that Iran will “pay the price” for its recent missile strikes. The Israeli government is considering various retaliatory options, which may include attacks on Iranian oil refineries, military installations, or nuclear sites. Meanwhile, U.S. President Joe Biden reiterated support for Israel, advocating that any response should be “proportional.”