Fiji’s Minister for Defence, Pio Tikoduadua, has clarified that the nation has not yet committed to joining an international stabilisation force in Gaza, emphasizing that Fiji has merely received an invitation to consider participation. In a statement on social media, Tikoduadua sought to address public speculation regarding Fiji’s involvement, stating that no official response has been issued at this point.
“Let me be clear: Fiji has only received an invitation to be part of the Gaza international stabilisation force. We have not yet responded,” he remarked. The minister further noted that the government’s stance will be revealed after thorough deliberation.
“The Fijian government’s position will be made in the coming days,” Tikoduadua confirmed. His remarks come at a time when regional and international attention is increasingly directed towards security and humanitarian stabilisation efforts in Gaza, with various countries being approached to potentially provide personnel for the mission.
In light of ongoing domestic challenges, including the drug pandemic, there have been calls for Fijian troops to remain focused on national issues. While the Fijian government has not released specific details concerning the nature of the invitation or the possible scope of deployment, officials have previously indicated that all requests are carefully evaluated. This assessment process considers national interests, constitutional obligations, and the safety of personnel.
Overall, Fiji’s careful approach reflects its commitment to both international collaboration and national security, emphasizing the need for a balanced response to complex global situations while prioritizing domestic concerns.