The first shipment of Maldives’ donation of two million canned tuna has reached Gaza, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Abdulla Khaleel revealed Monday.
In a written response to a query from an opposition lawmaker over the delay in implementing the government’s decision to ban Israeli passport holders from entering the island nation, Minister Dr Khaleel pointed out that the country’s immigration laws need to be revised in order to implement the ban.
He also pointed out that the decision is currently being reviewed by the Parliamentary Security Services Committee and the ban will be put into effect once the law is revised.
In his response, the Minister highlighted the proactive role Maldives continues to play in the international arena advocating for the rights of Palestine and put a stop to the atrocities being committed by Israel.
Minister Dr Khaleel also said Maldives has continued to advocate for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people through the establishment of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine, based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
According to the Minister, Maldives supported South Africa’s application to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against Israel, submitting a Declaration of Intervention last year. Additionally, on December 19, 2024, we co-sponsored a United Nations General Assembly resolution seeking an advisory opinion from the ICJ regarding Israel’s responsibilities in facilitating humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people, delivered by the UN, international organisations, and various countries worldwide, he added.
Minister Dr Khaleel also noted that Maldives’ annual contribution to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestine Refugees has been increased to USD5,000 by this Administration.
In addition to the USD1.2 million in proceeds from the of the "Maldivians with Palestine" telethon handed over to UNRWA, the first shipment of the canned tuna donation has now reached Gaza, according to the Minister.
In that regard, the first shipment of 374,400 canned tuna was delivered to Gaza on 12 February through the Egyptian Red Crescent, he said.
The Minister assured that the Maldives will continue to provide assistance and advocate for the rights of the Palestinian people in the future.