President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has called Israel to immediately end the illegal occupation and return the forcefully seized lands of Palestine.

The Maldivian President made this statement on his message on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, on Wednesday.

In his message, President Dr. Muizzu reasserted the unwavering support of the people and the Government of the Maldives to the people and the Government of the State of Palestine in their legitimate right for full sovereignty and to live in peace with safety and security.

President Muizzu reiterated that the Maldives, in the strongest terms, condemns the Israel’s war against Palestine and the brutal occupation. He also once again, condemned the collective punishment being committed by Israel against the innocent civilians of Palestine.

Stating that the deliberate actions by the Israeli Defence Force are war crimes and in complete violation of international humanitarian law, the Maldivian President called on the International Criminal Court to investigate possible war crimes committed by Israel against the Palestinian people.

He also reiterated the Maldives' call for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the provision of essential commodities including food, fuel, and medicine and for an end to mass forced displacement in the Occupied Palestine.

President Dr. Muizzu stated that the plight of the Palestinian people should be a global priority. He urged the international community to strengthen its resolve to end the violation of human rights and the suffering of the people of the State of Palestine.

Furthermore, the Maldivian President stated that the Maldives believes that a permanent solution for peace can only be attained through the establishment of a sovereign and independent Palestinian State and called Israel to immediately end the illegal occupation of Palestine and return the forcefully seized lands of Palestinians.

The President in his message also called that Israel should recognize Palestine as an independent State with East Jerusalem as its capital within pre-1967 borders.

The President also reaffirmed that the Maldives remains steadfast in its unwavering commitment to the Palestinian people in their pursuit of their inalienable rights including their right to self-determination.