Fijian Peacekeepers Could Be in Danger

The coalition government's decision to open an embassy in Jerusalem could put Fijian peacekeepers and travelers in danger abroad. The move has already sparked criticism from Palestine and Hamas, who see it as a violation of international law.

The Palestinian Foreign Ministry and the Hamas group issued separate statements, urging the Fijian government to reverse its decision.

According to the Foreign Ministry, the Fijian decision is "an act of aggression against the Palestinian people and their inalienable rights."

The Palestinian group Hamas said in a statement that the decision is "a blatant assault on the rights of our Palestinian people to their land and a clear violation of international law and UN resolutions, which recognize Jerusalem as occupied Palestinian territory."

Concerns are growing over the safety of Fijian peacekeepers in the Middle East.

Fiji has historically remained neutral in regional conflicts, ensuring the security of its troops. In 2014, neutrality played a key role in securing the release of 45 Fijian peacekeepers held hostage in the Golan Heights.

Fiji will become the seventh country to have an embassy in Jerusalem after the US, Guatemala, Honduras, Kosovo, Papua New Guinea, and Paraguay.

With tensions rising, Fiji must carefully weigh the impact of its diplomatic decisions on the security of its peacekeepers.