Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam has called on Muslim countries to take decisive action in support of the Palestinian cause and push for accountability over Israel’s violations of international law.
Speaking at an extraordinary meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Minister Iruthisham condemned Israel’s continued expansion of settlements and annexation of Palestinian land.
She expressed concern over what she described as a lack of meaningful action to hold Israel accountable for violations of international law, and urged OIC member states to respond more decisively to the situation in Palestine.
The minister said the response should reflect the shared commitment of OIC member states to upholding the values of the Muslim Ummah.
She reiterated that the Maldives would remain a steadfast advocate for the Palestinian people in their pursuit of justice and legitimate rights, as well as for the establishment of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Foreign Minister also called for concrete steps to implement the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, which she said provides a pathway towards lasting peace.
The meeting marked Minister Iruthisham's first engagement with the OIC as Maldives foreign minister.
On the sidelines of the meeting, she held meetings with foreign ministers from several OIC member states, highlighting the close relations between the Maldives and the organisation.
The OIC comprises 57 member states and remains a prominent international advocate for the Palestinian people and their aspirations for statehood.
The Maldives has been an active member of the organisation since joining in 1976.