President Muizzu Pledges Enduring Solidarity With Palestinians, Urges Global Push for Independence

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu marked the anniversary of the declaration of independence of the State of Palestine with a pledge of unwavering solidarity, calling on the international community to ensure the establishment of a fully independent and sovereign Palestinian state.

The statement was delivered in a social media post timed to Palestine Independence Day, observed annually on 15 November to commemorate the 1988 declaration of independence.

President Muizzu affirmed that Maldivians would always stand with their Palestinian “brothers and sisters” and remain resolute in their demand for complete independence. He stressed that both the government and the people of the Maldives would consistently advocate for Palestine’s full sovereignty and self-determination.

“On this Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of the State of Palestine, I wish to emphasise the Maldives’ continued commitment to support the Palestinian cause for statehood and self-determination,” President Muizzu wrote. “Rest assured, the people and the Government of the Maldives will always stand in solidarity with our Palestinian brothers and sisters.”

In his message, the president urged the international community to remain steadfast in its calls for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. He underscored that such a state must be founded on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem designated as its capital.

“We call on the international community to never falter in its calls for the just establishment of a sovereign and independent State of Palestine based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital,” President Muizzu wrote.

He also extended congratulations and best wishes to the Palestinian people and leadership, specifically naming President Dr Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa. His message included prayers for the perseverance and strength of the Palestinian Muslim community.

“Our greetings and good wishes to His Excellency President Mahmoud Abbas, His Excellency Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa, the government, and all peoples of Palestine on this historic day. May Almighty Allah strengthen the tenacity and courage of our dear brothers and sisters,” President Muizzu wrote.

Since the 1988 declaration of independence, Israeli occupational forces have continued to launch attacks, occupy Palestinian lands, and carry out massacres and genocide against the Palestinian populace.

The most severe escalation, and one of the largest atrocities and genocide committed by Israel in recent history, began on 7 October 2023. Over the course of two years, Israeli forces have killed more than 68,000 Gazans and injured over 158,000.