Fiji, Oct. 30 -- A coalition of Pacific civil society organisations is calling on Pacific Islands Forum leaders to suspend engagement with Israel, arguing that the partnership undermines the region's commitment to international law, Palestinian self-determination and the declaration of the Blue Pacific as an Ocean of Peace.

The Pacific Regional Non-Governmental Organisations Alliance (PRNGO Alliance) said the decision to admit Israel as a Forum partner raised serious concerns about the region's position on the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory.

In a statement, the alliance said Pacific leaders could not rely on international law to defend their countries against climate change while disregarding international legal rulings on ...