Maldives president condemns Israeli decision to annex Gaza

President Mohamed Muizzu has condemned Israel’s decision to annex the Gaza Strip and establish a separate state there, calling on the international community to take necessary measures to stop the move.

Israel’s Security Cabinet announced its decision on Friday to occupy Gaza, with civilians being forcibly relocated to camps in central Gaza.

In a post on X, President Muizzu described the decision as a violation of international and humanitarian law, stating that it would undermine the freedom of the Palestinian people, worsen existing injustices, and threaten regional stability.

The President said Maldives stands with Palestine and will not accept any attempt to undermine Gaza’s sovereignty or bring it under Israeli control. He called on the international community to take immediate steps to halt the implementation of the decision, to stop what he described as atrocities in Palestine, and to hold Israel accountable.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also issued a statement condemning the move. The ministry said Israel’s announcement to take full control of Gaza violates international law, obstructs Palestinian self-government, and infringes on Palestinian sovereignty.

The statement added that Maldives will continue to support the Palestinian people’s efforts to establish an independent state. The ministry said a lasting resolution to the conflict can only be achieved by creating an independent Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.