Maldives home minister defends Hamas

Home minister Imran Abdulla on Thursday defended the Palestinian militant group Hamas' attacks on Israel, saying the fight against Israeli occupation is the responsibility of the entire Muslim Ummah.

It has been more than 56 years since Israel has been attacking and imposing sanctions on Gaza by shutting down all border crossings under a blockade. For Gazans, essential commodities such as rations, food and medicines are allowed only under Israel permits. 

With the 'Aqsa Storm', Hamas launched heavy attacks on October 7. Following the attacks, Israel has launched a large scale military operation against Gaza, which has killed thousands of civilians.

Imran defended the Hamas attacks in a post on X on Thursday.

Imran's post said that Hamas is doing what the entire Islamic Ummah should do in defense of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and Jerusalem. The price is being paid with the pure blood of the Palestinian people.

"When will the whole Ummah rise up?" Imran also questioned.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also criticised Israel at the UN Security Council meeting on Tuesday.