Pasifika for Palestine Australia and the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN) have strongly condemned the opening of Israel’s embassy in Suva, accusing the Fiji Government of deepening ties with Israel despite ongoing international criticism over the war in Gaza and Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories.
The criticism comes as Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar visits Fiji to officially inaugurate the new diplomatic mission.
In a joint statement, the two groups said the embassy opening represents a further strengthening of relations between Fiji and Israel, following Fiji’s decision to open an embassy in Jerusalem in September 2025.
Sa’ar reportedly described Fiji as “one of Israel’s most consistent supporters in the United Nations.”
The groups argued that Fiji’s diplomatic engagement with Israel contradicts international legal obligations and raised concerns about growing cooperation between the two countries in trade, security and technology.
The statement highlighted to a cybersecurity Memorandum of Understanding signed in October 2025 and discussions regarding the possible supply of Israeli patrol boats to the Fiji Navy.
“We stand in solidarity with our Pasifika community calling out the opening of an Israeli embassy in Fiji. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has been unequivocal: states must not recognise, assist or normalise Israel’s unlawful presence in occupied Palestinian territory. Fiji is doing all three. Across the Pacific our complicity in genocide and apartheid must end.”
Kavita Naidu, spokesperson for Pasifika for Palestine, said Pacific communities and Palestinians share a common struggle.
“From the Pacific to Palestine, we stand together in our responsibility to end Israel’s genocide, occupation and apartheid. The opening of the Israeli embassy in Suva and the repression of those protesting is an act of complicity. Where the governments of Australia and Fiji have failed, the people will continue to resist.”
APAN Executive Officer Katie Shammas said Fiji’s support for Israel would surprise many Australians.
“Many Australians would be shocked to know that far from its paradise image, Fiji has become one of the most active supporters of Israel’s conduct in the Pacific bloc. The Fijian government is also repressing communities who are protesting against the ongoing atrocities in Gaza and West Bank.”
Shammas also questioned Fiji’s priorities at a time when the country faces social and economic challenges.
“Fiji is grappling with a health and economic crisis, so it boggles the mind that their priority is not on their people but on building diplomatic relationships with an apartheid state committing genocide.”
She added: “It is a profound embarrassment that Pacific governments demand the world to respect international law on climate change while actively covering up violations of that same body of law for Palestine.”
The two organisations called on the Fiji Government to close its diplomatic mission in Jerusalem, suspend all security and military cooperation with Israel, and protect the right to peaceful protest.
They also urged the Australian Government to oppose Fiji’s diplomatic moves and reject any involvement in Israeli military or security cooperation in the Pacific.
The groups further called on members of the Pacific Islands Forum to uphold international law and resist what they described as Israeli efforts to build diplomatic support within the Pacific region.
