Israel's Foreign Affairs Minister Gideon Sa’ar is urging those protesting against the opening of the Israeli Embassy in Fiji to use their time on more positive activities.
Sa’ar made the comments when questioned by the media during a joint press conference.
The Israeli Foreign Affairs Minister said he was unaware of the number of people protesting and found it unusual that such protests were taking place in Fiji.
Insert: Sa’ar on protesters, 3rd June 26
Meanwhile, the Fiji Women's Crisis Centre led a protest outside its office, located opposite FHL Tower, where the new Israeli Embassy is situated.
Police were present at the scene.
When questioned by fijivillage News, Police said they had advised those present that they could not conduct a protest in a public place without following the required procedures.
FWCC Coordinator Shamima Ali criticised the use of the Public Order Act against pro-Palestine protesters, claiming the legislation is once again being used to restrict people's right to peaceful protest.
Ali said the government had acknowledged concerns surrounding the Public Order Act and its broad powers, but reforms had yet to be implemented.
She questioned the decision by Police to intervene in what she described as a peaceful demonstration, saying protesters were exercising their democratic right to express opposition to Israel's actions in Gaza.
Ali claimed Police informed protesters that they were considered a threat to public safety under an assessment made by a police officer.
She challenged that assessment, saying the group consisted of men, women and children participating in a peaceful gathering.
Ali also criticised the deployment of Police resources to monitor the protest, arguing that law enforcement attention should be directed towards more pressing public safety concerns.
Despite being instructed to stop chanting and remove certain banners, Ali said protesters intended to continue their demonstration.
She alleged that Police specifically objected to banners carrying the slogan "From the River to the Sea", which has been used by pro-Palestinian groups around the world.
Ali also questioned the Fiji Government's position on Israel and claimed there had been insufficient public consultation on decisions relating to Fiji's engagement with the country.
She maintained that the protest would continue peacefully and called for the Public Order Act to be reviewed or repealed.
