Maldives shows solidarity with Palestine in mass rally

A massive rally was held in the Maldives capital Male Friday evening, to express support for the Palestinian cause.

A significant gathering of Maldivians, including people of all ages, took to the streets of the capital on Friday evening, donning attire that symbolised the nation's solidarity with Palestine.

The rally commenced in the Rasfannu area in the Maafannu ward and concluded at the Artificial Beach area in Henveiru ward.

The event was jointly organised by the International Aid Campaign (IAC) and a group of youth who led a pro-Palestine rally in 2014. The demonstration aimed to protest the ongoing attacks by Israel in Gaza, which have been widely condemned.

Additionally, alongside the rally, fundraising events were held in various regions of Male and Hulhumale on Friday.

This rally is the latest in a series of demonstrations in solidarity with Palestine.

The Dhivehinge Bodu Evvun rally, translating to the "Big Gathering of Maldivians," took place in the Artificial Beach area on October 13 as part of the "Maldives with Palestine" national campaign initiated by the Isra Association and the International Aid Campaign (AIC). The event drew a large crowd, including Cabinet Ministers, high-ranking government officials, and members of the public.

Various civic groups, such as Cake Donors, IAC, Isra Organi\sation, Mahaldheeb Foundation, Jamiyyathul Akhawaadh, Maldives Turkiyé Foundation, and 'Heyo Bingaa,' participated in the rally.

Evening rallies with the theme "Maldivians with Palestine" were also held in several islands of outlying atolls, beyond the capital region.

The ongoing Israeli air strikes on Gaza began on October 7 after Hamas launched a military operation into Israeli territory in response to Israeli violations at the Al Aqsa Mosque. These attacks have resulted in increased violence against Palestinians by Israeli settlers, with the death toll surpassing 3,000 as of Wednesday.