The Maldives has called on the international community to take immediate measures to stop the ongoing attacks on Palestinians in Gaza. The statement was made by the Maldives delegation at the second committee meeting of the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
During the meeting, the Maldives stated the people of Palestine are continuously pushed to an endless cycle of despair and destruction, with their very existence, identity and history under constant duress. The Maldives stated that it stands firm in its commitment to advocating for peace and security in the region, and is gravely concerned about the situation in the Gaza Strip and reiterates the Secretary-General’s call for civilians and infrastructure to be protected.
Additionally, the Maldives expressed concerned over Israel’s military proclamation that over one million civilians in northern Gaza should relocate to the south, noting that this clearly violates several laws and Conventions. As such, the Maldives joined members of the international community in calling for a reversal of this order and a lifting of the blockade to allow for delivery of humanitarian aid.
Furthermore, the Maldives described the situation in Gaza as a matter of survival and called on the international community to take all possible measures to stop the ongoing attacks on civilians. The Maldives expressed its support for the Palestinian people, particularly towards the establishment of an independent and sovereign State based on the pre‑1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
During the second committee meeting, the majority of speakers condemned Israel’s actions, with the observer for the State of Palestine warning that the conditions in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, particularly in the Gaza Strip, have witnessed a horrific and unimaginable deterioration due to Israel’s destructive practices, amounting to war crimes and crimes against humanity. She said Israel’s recent declaration of war on the Palestinian civilian population was exacerbated by its decision to starve and completely cut off the Palestinian population from water, fuel and electricity, elevating an already dangerous situation into a humanitarian, sanitation and environmental catastrophe.