‘Reverse Jerusalem Decision’

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the State of Palestine has strongly condemned Fiji’s decision to set up an embassy in the State of Israel in Jerusalem.

The Palestinian government condemned the decision, stating that it undermines the prospects for peace based on a two-state solution.

They labelled the move as an unacceptable endorsement of Israel’s occupation and its alleged violations, calling it a grave violation of international law.

On Tuesday, Cabinet endorsed that Fiji’s Embassy in the State of Israel be located in Jerusalem.

Cabinet stated that necessary risk assessments would be undertaken by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defence in Fiji, in consultation with relevant agencies, prior to and during the establishment process.

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka confirmed receiving a phone call from Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressing his gratitude for Fiji’s decision to open a diplomatic mission in Jerusalem.

“Even though very brief, we reaffirmed our commitment to strengthening Fiji-Israel ties,” Mr Rabuka said.

“I also took the opportunity to express my deepest condolences for the tragic events of October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked innocent lives in Israel,” he said.

“I am indeed grateful for the phone conversation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Todah Rabah (thank you) my friend. God bless Israel, God bless Fiji.”

Fiji and Israel established diplomatic relations in 1970 and forged partnerships across security and peacekeeping, agriculture and climate change.

Palestine criticises Fiji 

With this decision, Fiji becomes the seventh country to setup an embassy in Jerusalem.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates strongly condemns the decision of Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to move his country’s embassy to occupied Jerusalem,” the statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the State of Palestine said.

“This decision is an act of aggression against the Palestinian people and their rights.

“It places Fiji on the wrong side of history, harms the chances of achieving peace based on the two-state solution, and represents unacceptable support for the occupation and its crimes.

“It also blatantly defies United Nations (UN) resolutions at a time when the occupying power is escalating its attacks against Palestinians across all of the Palestinian territory, attempting to displace them from their homeland.”

The ministry affirmed that it would continue to take political, diplomatic, and legal action against countries that open or move their embassies to occupied Jerusalem.

“It will work to hold them accountable for their unjustified actions against the Palestinian people and their rights.

“Accordingly, the ministry demands that the Fijian government immediately reverse this provocative decision.”

Feedback: inoke.rabonu@fijisun.com.fj