The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that the Maldives will always stand up for the citizens of Palestine.
In a statement condemning Minister of National Security of Israel Itamar Ben-Gvir's entry into the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, the foreign ministry said that Israel's National Security Minister Ben-Gvir entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque on January 3, in violation of international agreements, laws, and principles. The foreign ministry condemned the action as it could further destabilise the situation in the Middle East and also said that the Maldives is participating in the work of the Organisation for Islamic Cooperation (OIC) at the United Nations (UN).
The OIC and some members of the UN Security Council (UNSC) held an emergency meeting on January 5. An OIC statement was also given at the meeting. In addition, a debate on the situation in the Middle East is scheduled for January 18 and Maldivians will participate as well, according to the foreign ministry.
The statement said that the country has always advocated for the liberation of the Palestinian lands occupied by Israel in violation of international law and the protection of the rights of the Palestinian people. The statement also said that the Maldives will always stand up for the Palestinian people.