Maldives condemns Israeli ministers’ calls to displace Palestinians from Gaza

The Maldives on Monday strongly condemned remarks by two Israeli ministers concerning the displacement of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip.

The condemnation follows recent remarks by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Defense Minister Israel Katz, including proposals for plans and mechanisms aimed at forcibly removing Palestinians from their land.

In a statement on Monday morning, the Maldivian Foreign Ministry said that the remarks constitute a grave violation of international law, including international humanitarian law, and threaten ongoing international efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region.

“The Maldives unequivocally rejects any attempt to forcibly displace Palestinians, whether within or outside the Occupied Palestinian Territory, under any pretext,” stated the Foreign Ministry.

It stressed that the Gaza Strip is an integral part of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and the Palestinian people have an inalienable right to remain on their land and to exercise their right to self-determination.

The Maldives called upon the international community, particularly the United Nations Security Council, to take decisive action to prevent forced displacement of the Palestinian people, ensure accountability for violations of international law, and uphold the rights of the Palestinian people.

It also reaffirmed its unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people and its steadfast support for the establishment of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine, based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.