Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has affirmed that Israel has the right to defend itself against its adversaries in the Middle East, maintaining Fiji’s support for the nation amidst ongoing conflict. In an interview, Rabuka expressed sorrow over the significant loss of life resulting from the conflict, which poses challenges to regional peace.
When asked about Fiji’s backing of Israel in light of its ongoing strikes in the densely populated Gaza Strip, which houses many women and children, Rabuka reiterated Israel’s right to self-defense. He emphasized that while no life should be lost needlessly, the complexities of the situation make complete safety unattainable.
“History shows that achieving peace, stability, and order often comes with a human cost, and tragically, this often includes loss of life,” Rabuka stated. He defined peace as the absence of fear and stressed the importance of conducting international relations with this principle in mind.
Australia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Senator Penny Wong, also addressed the situation, describing the conflict in the Middle East as divisive and tragic. She highlighted Australia’s commitment to discussing events in a respectful manner, emphasizing the nation’s dedication to fostering peace and stability in the region.
“We constantly seek ways to contribute to peace and stability as a middle power globally. Our goal is a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region,” Wong noted.
Additionally, the Israeli Defence Force announced that it targeted Hamas command centers located near two schools in the Gaza Strip during recent strikes. According to reports from Palestine’s Wafa news agency, an Israeli operation at the Bureij refugee camp resulted in the deaths of at least 15 Palestinians.