The Maldivian government has issued a strong condemnation of the remarks made by Amichay Eliyahu, Israel’s Minister of Heritage, who suggested that the use of a nuclear bomb on the beseigned Gaza strip is an option.
“This statement is extremely concerning, especially at a time when the Israeli government is already engaged in a disproportionate military aggression against innocent civilians in Palestine,” the government said in a statement on Monday.
Eliyahu’s remarks were made amid the continued bombardment of Gaza by the Israeli forces since 7 October, which has killed over 10,000 Palestinians, including 4,000 children. The Israeli attacks have also left more than 24,808 people injured. 2,600 Palestinians, including 1,270 children, are reported missing and believed to be buried under the rubble of buildings decimated by the Israeli airstrikes, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
In addition to the ongoing attacks in Gaza, Israeli forces have been conducting daily raids in the West Bank, resulting in the deaths of 155 Palestinians and injuring another 2,100 since 7 October.
The Maldivian government voiced its deep concern over the lack of an adequate response from the Israeli government to Eliyahu’s statement, which it views as a “blatant violation of international humanitarian laws” and called on the international community to address such rhetoric, which poses a significant threat to the lives of Palestinians.
The Maldives also reiterated its call for the international community to take immediate action to halt the attacks on innocent civilians and urged for an immediate ceasefire to facilitate and enhance the provision of unobstructed humanitarian aid to the people in Palestine.