Maldives calls for action in support of Palestine instead of mere discourse

The Maldives has called for robust and practical measures to be taken in support of the Palestinian people, emphasizing that mere statements and discourse are no longer sufficient.

This appeal was made by the Foreign Minister Dr. Abdulla Khaleel, while addressing an extraordinary meeting of the Executive Committee of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

During the meeting, Minister Khaleel highlighted the injustices faced by the Palestinian people during this holy month of Ramadan, citing the ongoing occupation and dispossession.

Minister @abkhaleel delivered a statement at the Extraordinary Open-Ended Meeting of the @OIC_OCI Executive Committee, condemning Israel’s illegal land confiscation and settlement expansion, and reaffirmed the Maldives’ unwavering support for Palestinian rights and sovereignty. pic.twitter.com/KGdUTh2DVS

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs ???????? (@MoFAmv) February 27, 2026

He conveyed Maldives' strongest condemnation of Israel’s recent declaration of lands in the West Bank under the label of "state property." The Minister underscored that such actions are a flagrant violation of international law while undermining prospects for peace and denying Palestinian people their fundamental rights.

"Palestinian lands belong to the Palestinian people,” he stressed.  

Minister Khaleel reaffirmed that the only permanent solution to the Palestinian issue is the establishment of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine, based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The Minister also highlighted efforts currently being undertaken by Maldives in support of Palestinian people:

• Maldives' active legal interventions and advocacy at the International Court of Justice (ICJ)
• The consistent efforts to raise the voice for Palestinian rights within United Nations forums
• The continued provision of humanitarian assistance through United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA)

Minister Khaleel concluded his remarks by urging for renewed unity within the Islamic Ummah to ensure the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.

"We need to think together, look within ourselves – at what it is that we, as a collective Ummah can do. Not just words, but concrete actions," he remarked. 

He further reiterated that the Maldives remains committed to advocating for dialogue and a peaceful, lasting resolution.