Ambassador of Palestine to the Maldives Walid Abu Ali has criticised the international community for describing the recent escalation of violence in Palestine as a war.
In an exclusive interview with PSM News, Ambassador Ali said that wars are waged between opposing armies, nations, countries, or states and that Palestine is under Israeli occupation. He explained that the Israeli government has been occupying Palestinian territory since 1948 and the Palestinian people and trying to struggle and fight against Israeli occupation. As such, he said that the international community should not compare Israeli capabilities, with its military equipment and infrastructure, with Palestinians who are fighting with limited resources.
"The issue is not Hamas and Israel. The issue is Palestine and Palestinians with Israel. Unfortunately, the international community and the media are focusing on a war. War is between two armies, nations, countries, or states. Palestine is under the Israeli occupation. The Israeli government has been occupying Palestinian territory since 1948 and innocent Palestinian people and trying to struggle and fight against Israeli occupation," said Ambassador Ali.
Additionally, Ambassador Ali said that Palestine has repeatedly stated that security, stability and peace in the Middle East can only can be achieved when Palestinians are allowed to exercise their freedom in an independent Palestinian State with Al-Quds as its capital. He, however, said that Israel continues to ignore peace agreements and continues to violate international law in Palestine while the international community turns a blind eye and allow Palestinians to continue to be the victims.
"Why does the international community keep silent when the Israelis invaded our towns, cities, and refugee camps? Why does the international community keep silent when it comes to innocent Palestinians, women and children… So far, around 600 Palestinians were killed by the Israeli army, among them there are about 78 children, more than 50 women. Innocent civilians are being killed, witnessed by the international community," said Ambassador Ali.
Furthermore, Ambassador Ali acknowledged the support and solidarity that the government and the people of the Maldives has shown to Palestinians. He expressed appreciation for the Maldives using its influence with neighbouring nations and Asian countries as well as the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and international community forums to help Palestinians achieve their freedom.