Maldives condemns all Middle East attacks, calls for immediate ceasefire
The Maldives also called on the international community to increase diplomatic engagement to resolve the conflict in the Middle East.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday condemned attacks carried out during the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran and called for an immediate ceasefire.
In a statement, the ministry said the Maldives condemns attacks carried out by all sides in the conflict and urged efforts to end the fighting.
The government had earlier expressed concern over the attacks launched late last month involving the United States and Israel against Iran and called for a ceasefire.
In its latest statement, the ministry said the Maldives condemns Iran’s retaliatory strikes on countries in the region as well as the attacks carried out by the United States and Israel.
The statement said Iran’s attacks on countries including Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain were condemned.
According to the ministry, attacks on civilian locations such as airports and oil storage facilities violate international law and the Geneva Conventions.
“The Government of Maldives further regrets that the attacks on the Gulf Countries by Iran are being carried out even without any retaliation by these countries,” the statement said.
The ministry also condemned attacks by the United States and Israel that reportedly struck a school and caused casualties among civilians as well as damage to hospitals and oil facilities.
“The Maldives notes with grave alarm that these actions have further heightened tensions in the Gulf region. The continued violence in the region undermine prospects for any peace, and the Maldives calls for an immediate ceasefire by all parties,” the statement said.
The Maldives also called on the international community to increase diplomatic engagement to resolve the conflict in the Middle East.
Reports indicate that more than 1,500 people have been killed in Iran since the conflict began following attacks by the United States and Israel.
Iran has responded with strikes targeting United States facilities in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar.
The conflict has also affected global energy markets after Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a route through which a large share of the world’s oil supply is transported.
Several countries in the Gulf region have reduced oil exports following the disruption.
