The Maldivian delegation at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) walked out of the General Assembly Hall in protest as the Prime Minister of Israel began his address to the General Debate.
The walkout by the Maldives comes amid heightened tensions over Israel’s ongoing attacks on Gaza. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Abdulla Khaleel confirmed the walkout in a social media post, reaffirming the Maldives’ unwavering solidarity with the people of Palestine.
Earlier on Thursday, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas delivered a video statement to the Assembly after being denied a visa to travel to New York to attend the UNGA in person. The Maldives was among the countries that voted in favour of the resolution permitting him to address the Assembly remotely.
The Maldives has repeatedly condemned Israel's inhumane acts in the occupied Palestinian territories and continues to advocate for the rights of the Palestinian people.