Maldives to donate two million cans of tuna to Palestine

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has decided to donate two million cans of tuna to Palestine, as the humanitarian crisis in the country continues to escalate.

The decision was announced by Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid in a post on X on Tuesday.

“President @ibusolih has decided to send 2 million cans of tuna to our brothers and sisters in Palestine, in response to the grave need for humanitarian support at this time of crisis,” he said.

Shahid described the donation as a symbol of Maldives’ deepest solidarity with the people of Palestine.

He added that the government and people of Maldives will always stand with the people of Palestine, in their struggle to achieve self-determination and lasting peace.

Over two weeks into the conflict with Palestinian group Hamas, Israel's bombardment and blockade of Gaza has continued, with over one million people displaced.

The fighting began on October 7, when Hamas initiated Operation Al Aqsa Flood, a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea, and air.

It said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al Aqsa Mosque, and increased violence by Israeli settlers.

The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in Gaza.

Over 5,700 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza.

Israel’s response has extended into cutting water and electricity supplies to Gaza, further worsening the living conditions in an area that has endured a crippling siege since 2007.

Israel also intensified raids in the occupied West Bank.