Maldives condemns Netanyahu's remarks on displacing Palestinians

Maldives on Sunday issued a statement strongly condemning remarks made by the Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the establishment of a Palestinian state within the territory of Saudi Arabia.

In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Maldives reaffirmed its support for Saudi Arabia and rejected any statements that could threaten the country’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity. The statement emphasised that such remarks violate international law and the principles outlined in the United Nations Charter.

"The government of the Republic of Maldives expresses its strongest condemnation of the irresponsible and provocative statements made by the Prime Minister of Israel, calling for the establishment of a Palestinian State within the territory of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," the statement read.

The Maldives also reiterated its support for the Palestinian people’s right to establish an independent state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. The government urged the international community to take a firm stance against statements that could undermine regional stability.

"The government of Maldives also reiterates its steadfast support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people to establish their independent state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, and calls upon the international community to take a firm stance against such provocative statements that undermine regional stability," the statement continued.

The statement further asserted that such remarks not only infringe upon Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty but also deny the rights of the Palestinian people.

"Such statements not only violate the sovereignty of Saudi Arabia, but also represent a continued denial of the rights of the Palestinian people," the government stated.

The Maldives has consistently supported the Palestinian cause and has advocated for a resolution based on international legal frameworks.

Meanwhile, new US President Donald Trump, a real-estate-developer-turned-politician, sparked anger around the Middle East with his unexpected announcement on Tuesday, just as Israel and Hamas were expected to begin talks in Doha on the second stage of a ceasefire deal for Gaza, intended to open the way for a full withdrawal of Israeli forces, a further release of hostages and an end to a nearly 16-month-old war.

Trump said on Thursday Israel would hand over Gaza to the United States after fighting was over and the enclave's population was already resettled elsewhere, which he said meant no US troops would be needed on the ground.

A day after worldwide condemnation of Trump's announcement that he aimed to take over and develop the Gaza Strip into the "Riviera of the Middle East", Israel ordered its army to prepare to allow the "voluntary departure" of Gaza Palestinians.