Maldives joins UN walkout during Netanyahu speech

The Maldives delegation joined representatives of several countries in walking out of the United Nations General Assembly hall as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began his address on Thursday.

Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef and Foreign Minister Dr Iruthisham Adam were among the Maldivian officials who left the hall as Netanyahu took the podium during the general debate of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

The Foreign Ministry posted a photograph on social media showing members of the Maldivian delegation leaving the hall.

The ministry said the Maldives joined other UN member states in the walkout to demonstrate solidarity with the Palestinian people and to reiterate its call for Israel to be held accountable under international law.

Representatives from dozens of countries left the General Assembly hall as Netanyahu approached the podium, leaving large sections of the chamber empty during his speech.

The Maldives has maintained its support for the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The government has also repeatedly called for an end to Israeli military operations against Palestinians, restrictions on arms supplies to Israel and accountability through international legal mechanisms.

The Maldives has continued to raise the Palestinian issue in international forums and has backed calls for a two-state solution and adherence to international law.