President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has sent a message on Wednesday on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.

The President’s message reads as follows:

“On the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, I firmly reassert 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.

The Maldives condemns, in the strongest terms, Israel’s war against Palestine, the brutal occupation and collective punishment being committed by Israel against the innocent civilians of Palestine. The deliberate actions by the Israeli Defence Force tantamount to war crimes and in complete violation of international humanitarian law. The Maldives calls on the International Criminal Court to investigate possible war crimes committed by Israel against the Palestinian people.

We further reiterate our 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.

The plight of the Palestinian people should be a global priority and we urge 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.

The Maldives believes that a permanent solution for peace can only be attained through the establishment of a sovereign and independent Palestinian State. Israel should end the illegal occupation of Palestine immediately and return the lands forcefully seized from Palestinians. Israel should recognize Palestine as an independent State with East Jerusalem as its capital within pre-1967 borders. 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.”