President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has issued a forceful appeal to the international community, urging immediate and decisive measures to halt the escalating aggression against the people of Gaza, Palestine. His statement comes amid intensifying violence by Israeli occupational forces, which he described as targeting the "extermination" of the Palestinian population.
In a social media post, President Muizzu denounced Israel's continuing assault on Gaza, condemning the deliberate targeting of innocent civilians. "Strongly and unequivocally condemn the continued targeting of innocent civilians by Israel in Gaza, as the genocidal assault by Israel intensifies," the president stated.
His appeal underscores the urgency of the escalating humanitarian crisis. The president called on international organisations to take swift action, reiterating the Maldives' demand for immediate intervention to halt the violence and bring an end to hostilities. "The Maldives calls on the international community to take decisive and immediate action to halt the escalation of violence and the immediate cessation of hostilities," he stated.
The president further stressed the necessity of protecting civilian lives under international law, declaring that Israel must be held accountable for its actions. "We reiterate our call to take effective measures for the protection of civilian lives in accordance with the international legal and moral obligations and ensure that Israel is held accountable for its actions," he affirmed.
His call for international action builds on previous appeals. Addressing the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, President Muizzu urged world leaders to take immediate steps to halt what he described as the "genocide" being carried out against the people of Gaza. He reaffirmed the Maldives' firm support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
The latest wave of Israeli attacks began last Thursday, marking a significant escalation in hostilities. Hundreds of Gaza residents have been killed since the offensive intensified, making it the deadliest period of aggression since the collapse of the ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel on 18 March.
The Palestinian Ministry of Health reports that 53,272 individuals have been killed, while the Gaza Media Office provides a higher estimate of 61,700. The number of injured now stands at 120,673, underscoring the widespread human cost of the ongoing aggression.
Beyond the immediate loss of life, homes and critical infrastructure have been systematically destroyed, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation. The offensive, which began on 7 October 2023, has been carried out with support from the United States, further intensifying tensions across the region.