Palestine Condemns Fiji’s Decision to Open Embassy in Jerusalem

The Palestinian Authority and Hamas have strongly condemned Fiji’s decision to open an embassy in Jerusalem, calling it a violation of international law and UN resolutions.

The condemnation follows an announcement by Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, who confirmed that his government had approved the establishment of an embassy to Israel in Jerusalem. The decision, if implemented, would make Fiji the seventh country to establish an embassy in the contested city, following the US, Guatemala, Honduras, Kosovo, Papua New Guinea, and Paraguay.

Palestinian Response

In a statement released late Tuesday, the Palestinian Authority Foreign Ministry described the move as “an act of aggression” against the Palestinian people and a barrier to peace efforts based on the two-state solution.

Hamas also issued a separate statement, calling the decision “a blatant assault” on Palestinian rights and a “clear violation” of international law. The group reiterated that Jerusalem is recognized as occupied Palestinian territory under UN resolutions and urged Fiji to reconsider its stance.

Fiji’s Position and International Implications

The Fijian Foreign Ministry officially announced the Cabinet’s approval of the embassy on its website Tuesday. The move signals closer diplomatic ties between Fiji and Israel, though it has been met with strong opposition from Palestinian leaders and could face further international scrutiny.

The status of Jerusalem remains a deeply contentious issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While Israel claims Jerusalem as its capital, the Palestinians see East Jerusalem as the capital of their future state. Most countries, including the European Union and the majority of the UN member states, continue to maintain their embassies in Tel Aviv, adhering to UN resolutions that consider East Jerusalem occupied territory.

Call for Reversal

Both the Palestinian Authority and Hamas have urged Fiji to reverse its decision, warning that the move could escalate tensions and further complicate efforts for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.