NGO Coalition Opposes Embassy in Israel

The NGO Coalition on Human Rights has opposed the Fiji Government’s decision to open a residential embassy in Jerusalem later this month, saying it amounts to support for Israel amid the unfolding genocide in Gaza.

In a statement, the Coalition said Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, Minister Lynda Tabuya, and Minister Pio Tikoduadua are ignoring famine and mass starvation in Gaza that is being deliberately orchestrated by Israel.

The group cited former Irish President Mary Robinson and former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark, who recently witnessed aid being blocked at Rafah Crossing, with Robinson calling it “an unfolding genocide.”

The Coalition rejected the leaders’ justifications for the embassy, saying Fiji will be seen globally as backing Israel’s actions.

Chair Shamima Ali said the move does not reflect the wishes of all Fijians and declared the group’s strongest “Not in Our Name” opposition to both Fiji’s defence of Israel at the ICJ and the establishment of the embassy in Jerusalem.