President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has expressed relief following the announcement of a ceasefire agreement after 15 months of war in Gaza, Palestine. He also conveyed his appreciation to the countries that facilitated the accord.
The Israeli offensive, which commenced on 7 October 2023, has inflicted severe hardships on Gaza, resulting in inhumane living conditions and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of residents. The majority of Gaza's 2.3 million inhabitants have been displaced, further exacerbating an already dire situation.
In a social media post, President Dr Muizzu shared his relief over the ceasefire deal, stating, "The Maldives expresses its profound appreciation to the countries that have facilitated this agreement. We urge the international community to ensure the continuation of the ceasefire, allowing the return home of those displaced, and access to humanitarian assistance."
The ceasefire agreement was reached with Qatar and Egypt acting as mediators between Israel and Hamas, which governs Gaza. Over the past 15 months, the Maldives has worked extensively with the international community, advocating for an end to Israeli aggression and the protection of Palestinian rights.
President Dr Muizzu also used the opportunity to call on Israel to provide reparations to Palestine. He urged the international community to provide Palestine with the urgent support it needs to rebuild after the devastation caused by the Israeli aggression.
In September 2024, President Dr Muizzu addressed the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) during a high-level open debate on 'Leadership for Peace: United in Respect of the U.N. Charter, in Search of a Secure Future.' He highlighted the conditions facing the people of Palestine, especially in Gaza, citing that 36 U.N. Special Rapporteurs and Experts referred to 'a genocide in the making' in Gaza. He also noted that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has found Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory illegal and that Israel must evacuate settlements and pay reparations to Palestinians.
President Dr Muizzu further stressed that the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court had sought arrest warrants in relation to the war in Gaza and called on the U.N. Security Council members to support the process of justice and not to do anything to undermine it. He also urged the continuation of the rule of law and called on the UN to grant permanent membership to Palestine.
Despite the announcement of a ceasefire, the Israeli military has intensified attacks on the Gaza Strip, reportedly killing at least 40 Palestinians. Israel's war in Gaza has killed at least 46,707 Palestinians and wounded 110,265 since 7 October 2023.
Palestinians in Gaza are celebrating after mediators confirmed the ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel, which is set to take effect on Sunday, 19 January. The truce aims to end a devastating period of conflict and offers a glimmer of hope for a more stable and peaceful future for the people of Gaza.