Fijian Govt justifies why it voted against the UN resolution for truce and cease-fire in Gaza

Story By: FIJI TV Team

Fiji affirms its solidarity with Israel and commitment to global peace amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

In a statement released this morning, the Fijian Government has justified why they voted against the UN Resolution.

It stated that Fiji’s stance was demonstrated by its recent vote in support of the Canadian amendment and against the UN resolution urging a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

The Fijian Government stated that along with numerous other countries, Fiji supported a Canadian amendment to the resolution.

They say the amendment aimed to address ground realities and factual omissions, identify and condemn Hamas for initiating the crisis, holding hostages, and using them and civilians as human shields since October 7.

They add that these facts are essential to understanding the reality of the situation and inform the next steps in seeking a meaningful solution.

The Fijian Government has stressed that the final resolution did not mention these facts.

They say Fiji’s intent in voting for the amendment was to stand up against all acts of terror and show support for the hostages and innocent civilians, but unfortunately, the amendment was defeated.

It was also stated that Fiji, along with the United States and 12 other nations, firmly supports Israel’s right to defend itself and, in this particular case, to counteract Hamas, a terrorist organization.

The 14 nations highlight the fact that Hamas has used civilians as human shields and manipulated global opinion against Israel.

They say from coverage of the conflict since October 7, Hamas’ actions and level of atrocities underscore their disregard for innocent lives. It’s crucial to note that Israel’s primary target is Hamas, not the Palestinian population.

The Fijian Government adds that Israel’s response aims to safeguard its sovereignty and protect its citizens as they have established safe zones to help Gazan citizens relocate out of harm’s way.

They add that while the resolution does call for the immediate release of all hostages, and condemns all acts of terrorism and indiscriminate attacks, including those against Israeli civilians, it fails to explicitly name Hamas.

It states that addressing all aspects of the situation is crucial to achieving lasting peace and if the actions of Hamas are not unequivocally denounced in the resolution, the attainment of lasting peace remains in jeopardy.

They say as pointed out by the Israeli UN Ambassador Gilad Erdan, a ceasefire would provide Hamas with time to rearm, and the vote was not intended to bring peace but to “tie Israel’s hands.”

The Fijian Government also shares that in the words of the US UN Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, there are no ‘law-free’ zones in war.

They added that Hamas is not a signatory to any international convention, and its actions consistently disregard international standards of conduct.

They say the organization’s sole objective is the destruction of a sovereign state and its people, regardless of the costs.

Fiji is among the 14 countries, including the United States, Austria, Croatia, Czechia, Guatemala, Hungary, Israel, the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, and Tonga, that voted against the resolution drafted by the Arab nations.