Maldives backs Arab League's Gaza reconstruction plan

Maldives on Friday raised concerns over violations of the ceasefire agreement by Israel and supported the Gaza reconstruction plan adopted during a recent Arab League summit.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives, Dr Abdulla Khaleel, participated in the Extraordinary Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The session focused on the ongoing Israeli actions against the Palestinian people and calls for their displacement.

During his remarks, Khaleel raised concerns over what he described as violations of the ceasefire agreement by Israel. He condemned the calls for the displacement of the Palestinian people and emphasised the need for unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance and a permanent ceasefire. He also expressed the Maldives' support for the Gaza reconstruction plan adopted during the Arab League summit.

Khaleel reiterated Maldives’ commitment to the Palestinian cause, highlighting actions taken by the country, including the filing of the declaration of intervention in the case concerning Israel’s obligations in relation to the presence and activities of UN agencies in the occupied Palestinian territory. He noted that a just and lasting resolution can only be achieved through the establishment of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine, based on pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The OIC, which consists of 57 member states, has been an advocate for the rights of the Palestinian people and their aspirations for statehood. The Maldives has been an active member of the OIC since joining in 1976.