At a high-level United Nations conference convened to advance the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the Maldives has issued a forceful appeal for intensified international cooperation to end what it characterised as “deliberate acts of genocide” and worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza.
Representing the government, Dr Ali Naseer Mohamed, Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the United Nations, delivered the national statement with a call for renewed commitment to diplomacy and multilateral engagement. He underscored the urgent need for the international community to take decisive action to end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and to support the realization of Palestinian statehood, based on pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
His remarks also highlighted the critical role of humanitarian assistance. Ali Naseer stressed the need to maintain the operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), describing its aid as essential to millions of displaced Palestinians. The Maldives, he added, backs the Arab Reconstruction Plan, designed to support recovery and stability across the region.
The conference, held from 28 to 30 July at UN Headquarters in New York, was convened under the mandate of General Assembly resolution A/RES/79/81, adopted on 3 December 2024. Chaired jointly by the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of France and Saudi Arabia, the gathering resumed this month after a suspension in June prompted by escalating tensions in the Middle East. Its agenda centres on advancing the implementation of longstanding UN resolutions related to the Palestinian question and the two-state framework.
The urgency of the Maldives’ appeal was underscored by the deteriorating conditions on the ground. Israeli military operations in Gaza have intensified in recent weeks, with the Health Ministry reporting that the occupational forces have killed at least 60,138 Palestinians and injured more than 146,000 injuries since the offensive began. The region is also contending with a growing hunger crisis, compounded by infrastructure collapse and ongoing blockades.
Since taking office, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has intensified the Maldives’ diplomatic and legislative efforts in support of Palestine, marking a significant shift in the island nation’s position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This recalibrated stance has led to a high-profile policy change: a legal amendment prohibiting entry to individuals holding Israeli passports.
The administration’s advocacy has gained new prominence under President Muizzu’s leadership. Chief among recent measures is the enactment of legislation barring Israeli nationals from entering the country, a move the government has described as an expression of solidarity with Gaza and a reaffirmation of its commitment to human rights.