By Pita Ligaiula in Honiara, Solomon Islands
The Pacific Council of Churches (PCC) has condemned Israel’s planned “goodwill” mission to the Pacific, warning that Pacific nations cannot promote peace while engaging with a government accused of genocide in Gaza.
Israel’s deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel is scheduled to visit Papua New Guinea and Fiji in October to “deepen and advance Israel-Pacific relations.”
PCC General Secretary, Reverend James Bhagwan said the visit is deeply troubling.
“The Pacific Council of Churches has spoken out against the genocide taking place in Palestine. We cannot talk about the killing of thousands of unarmed civilians, children, and the destruction of humanitarian spaces while at the same time building relationships with the country perpetrating this violence,” Bhagwan told Pacific journalists in Honiara.
He said Pacific nations must be consistent in their stance on human rights.
“We cannot talk about West Papua, Kanaky and other places, then allow Palestine and Gaza to go unanswered. The PCC is very concerned about the narratives around Zionism being pushed to gain political traction in the Pacific. It is wrong in theology — theology is being twisted for political purposes,” he said.
Bhagwan warned against political expediency, saying it undermines the Pacific’s call for peace.
“If we are gathering at the time talking about Ocean of Peace, we cannot talk about peace in our region and then engage and support those who wage war and harm others. This is a very important crossroads for the Pacific,” he said.
Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS) CEO Vani Catanasiga also raised concerns over Fiji’s plan to open an embassy in Jerusalem.
“While we acknowledge that international diplomacy is important, FCOSS feels there are urgent domestic priorities that have yet to be addressed. Communities at the frontline of economic exclusion and climate change must be prioritised over international visits,” Catanasiga said.
“Fiji needs to consider its moral leadership and send a clear signal that domestic needs come first,” she added.
