The message is clear, “Condemn the killing of displaced Palestinians and God’s innocent children in Gaza- Promote World Peace PLEASE”.

That was the message from a group who have been protesting outside the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting venue, just outside the main entrance to the National Auditorium in Avarua this week.

Protestor and owner of Cook Islands brand TAV Pacific Ellena Tavioni, said they are disappointed with what is happening in Gaza.

She said the Israel-Hamas conflict has worsened in recent days and it was tragic to see displaced Palestinians being killed, especially children.

The group hopes to send the message to the Pacific Leaders to change their vote, especially Fiji, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Papua New Guinea, Nauru and Tonga who all voted against a United Nations resolution.

Australia, Kiribati, Palau, Tuvalu and Vanuatu abstained. Samoa remained silent. New Zealand and Solomon Islands voted in favour.

The Cook Islands Government stands firmly with the UN member states that have voted in favour of the resolution for a humanitarian truce between Gaza and Israel.

Tavioni said the forum was a good time for the leaders who voted against the resolution to change their minds.