The Government of Maldives has condemned the “deadly attacks” by Israeli authorities on Palestinian protesters near the Gaza border.

In a tweet posted on Saturday, the country’s foreign ministry said that it “condemns the attacks on Palestinian protesters near Gaza border,” sending condolences to the Palestinian government and people, “including the families of the victims”.

In a message to his Palestinian counterpart, Minister Asim said that he was “saddened” to hear of the news of the attacks by Israel on Palestinian protesters near Gaza border “which caused the loss of many innocent lives and injuring many more”.

Noting that the Maldivian government “condemns this barbaric attack in the strongest terms,” the minister said that it “will work closely with the Government of the State of Palestine and the international community to advocate the cause of Palestine”.

Minister Asim further said that Maldives “shall continue to keep reminding the international community of their obligation to promote and protect the full enjoyment of the fundamental rights of the Palestinian people”.

17 Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces as thousands marched near Gaza's border with Israel in a major demonstration on Friday, marking the 42nd anniversary of Land Day, while more than 1,400 others were wounded, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. Israeli forces are reported to have fired live ammunition at protesters, while using tear gas to push them back from a heavily fortified fence.

Organisers of Friday's march, dubbed "the Great Return March", said the main message of the demonstration was to call for the right of return for Palestinian refugees.

At Kuwait’s request, the United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting late Friday. While the Council failed to agree on a joint statement, UN Secreray-General Antonio Guterres reaffirmed UN’s “readiness to revitalize peace efforts” and called for an “independent and transparent investigation” into the matter.