The government of Maldives has called for urgent action to prevent the acts of genocide in Gaza, which now amount to apartheid.
Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed delivered the country’s national statement at the Extraordinary Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) held in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.
The Extraordinary Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of OIC was held to discuss the Israeli aggression against the innocent people of Palestine.
The government of Maldives strongly condemned the violence in Gaza and the threats by the government of Israel to attack Rafah, where several Palestinian families who were forced to flee their homes, have taken shelter at tent camps.
Nothing justifies the ongoing Israeli aggression in Gaza and other Palestinian territories. Yet, they continue to wreak havoc on Palestinian lives, killing, wounding and displacing thousands. We must not sit back and watch while Gaza lies in ruins. We must not continue to look the other way as they beg for necessities. And we must not ignore their yearning for peace. We must address this humanitarian crisis now, and push for a cessation to the hostilities.”Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, Maldives Minister of Islamic Affairs.
Maldives has urged the international community to take decisive actions to prevent the acts of genocide in Gaza, which now amount to apartheid and has demanded for an immediate and permanent ceasefire.
The island nation has also urged for a stronger push to ensure an adequate amount of aid enters Gaza.
Further, Maldives shed light on the oral submission delivered in support of Palestine on the Legal Consequences arising from the Policies and Practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem at the International Court of Justice.
What we are witnessing today in Gaza is beyond words. It endangers global peace and security, and most importantly, it threatens humanity. This is why the responsibility to end suffering in Gaza through words and actions falls upon all of us. We must draw strength from our solidarity to build a world where lasting peace is a reality. And the only means to achieve that is the establishment of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine, based on the pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.”Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, Maldives Minister of Islamic Affairs.
The island nation also noted the decision to file a declaration of intervention in the case filed by South Africa.
Affirming the island nation’s support for the Palestinian cause, the statement goes on to read that Maldives believes the only means for lasting peace is the establishment of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine, based on the pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Comprising 57 members states, OIC has constantly advocated for the rights of the Palestinian people and a two-state solution to the decades-long crisis.
Since becoming a member back in 1976, Maldives has been an active member of the OIC.
