Fiji to open embassy in Jerusalem, Hamas unhappy

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar announced today (Tuesday) that Fiji is set to move its embassy to Jerusalem.

In his English language statement on X, Sa'ar said that "I commend the Republic of Fiji's government for its historic decision to open an embassy in Jerusalem, the eternal capital of the Jewish people. Thank you, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, friend of Israel. Thank you Fiji!"

Sa'ar further said in the Hebrew announcement on X that Israel will "continue to work to open and move additional embassies to Jerusalem, our capital."

Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Leon had this to say on Fiji's decision:

""I welcome Fiji's historic and moving decision to open an embassy in Jerusalem. This is an important declaration of Fiji's support for Israel's capital, which is not only our capital but also a symbol of unity and peace. We are pleased with the opportunity to advance diplomatic relations with Fiji and wish for the continued building of a strong friendship between our countries."

Hamas, meanwhile, condemned the move:

"We strongly condemn Fiji's decision to open an embassy in Jerusalem. This is an aggression against the rights of the Palestinian people. We demand that Fiji immediately reverse its illegal decision."

There are currently seven countries with embassies in Jerusalem: United States, Papua New Ginea, Kosovo, Honduras, and Guatemala.

Until President Donald Trump's first term, almost all countries shied away from moving their embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem for fear of damaging relations with Arab and Muslim states. Many predicted that Trump's transfer of the embassy would lead to violence. While it did not, most countries still keep their embassies in Tel Aviv, including some who have promised to move it, such as Argentina and the Netherlands.

Meanwhile, Israel has opened embassies in countries as diverse as Moldova and Zambia to make inroads in Eastern Europe and Africa, to compensate for increasing hostility from countries such as Ireland.