The Maldives has issued strong condemnation of the recent Israeli cabinet decision to confiscate Palestinian lands in the occupied West Bank, labeling it an illegal expansion of Jewish settlements.
The strong rebuke was delivered by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Abdulla Khaleel during the Extraordinary Open-Ended Meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Executive Committee held in Jeddah.
The high-level gathering was convened in direct response to the Israeli government’s decision on 15 February, which seeks to formally declare vast portions of the West Bank as state property—effectively paving the way for easier land acquisition by Jewish settlers. Palestinian authorities have decried the decision as illegal annexation of their territory.
Speaking on behalf of the Maldives, Minister Khaleel strongly condemned what he termed as Israeli attempts to expand illegal settlements, deepen annexation in clear violation of international law.
He reiterated the nation’s unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people, affirming that the Maldivian people are with the Palestinian people even at this critical time.
In a social media post outlining his address, the Minister was unequivocal in stating that “Palestinian lands belong to the Palestinian people.” He reaffirmed the Maldivian government’s long-standing position that Palestinian independence is an inalienable right, insisting that their right to self-determination is not negotiable.
“Maldives will continue to stand firmly for their freedom, sovereignty, and dignity,” he said.
The Maldives has consistently championed the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.