Ambassador of Palestine to the Maldives Walid Abu Ali has stated that the Maldives is a small nation but has considerable influence that it uses to show its support to the Palestinian cause.
In an exclusive interview with PSM News, Ambassador Ali said that the Maldives is a small nation that is also very influential in the region, in the Organisation of Islamic Corporation (OIC), and in the international forums. He highlighted that the Maldives have always used its influence to show its support to the Palestinian cause and asked the Maldivians to keep Palestine in their hearts.
"My message to Maldivians: Keep Palestine in your heart, keep Palestine as a priority. When you are united, when you are secure, that serves Palestine and Palestinians. We look for the day when we will pay you back. When we host you in Al-Quds and Masjid Ul-Aqsa. Thank you for all your support since the independence of Maldives," said Ambassador Ali.
Describing the conflict as a disaster, Ambassador Ali said that the 2.3 million people in Gaza have been suffering under siege since October 7 and that the Israeli government have been indiscriminately striking Gaza, killing women, children and the elderly. Meanwhile, he said Israeli settlers have been invading other parts of Palestinian land such as the West Bank with the support of the Israeli government and army.
"The Israelis have to recognise the Palestinians' right to live in peace in an independent Palestinian state with Al-Quds as its capital. This is the only solution to the struggle. This is the only solution to put an end to both the suffering of Palestinians and Israelis," said Ambassador Ali.
Additionally, Ambassador Ali said that war is not a solution, and that the international community is responsible for forcing Israel to sit down at the negotiating table and achieve a comprehensive peace treaty which will allow Palestinians and Israelis to live in peace. He added that Palestine has accepted the two-state solution in which Palestinians and Israelis will live side by side peacefully and that it the responsibility of the international community to make sure this happens, warning that the Middle East will continue to be unstable without it.