President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has issued a forceful condemnation of the attack on Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza by Israeli forces. The Israeli air raid on the hospital resulted in the deaths of at least 500 people, according to Palestinian officials in the besieged enclave. With hundreds injured and many more seeking shelter at the hospital, the number of casualties is expected to rise.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, President Solih stated that targeting hospitals and non-combatants constitutes a gross violation of international law. His call comes amid increasing global concern over the escalating conflict in Gaza. The attack on Al-Ahli Arab Hospital has drawn widespread condemnation, with many viewing it as a blatant disregard for international law and human rights.
“Targeting hospitals and non-combatants is a gross violation of international law,” said President Solih. “I call on the world community to push for a ceasefire and establish humanitarian corridors to ease the plight of Gaza’s residents.”
President Solih’s statement underscores the Maldives’ commitment to upholding international law and human rights. It also reflects the country’s active role in advocating for peace and justice on the global stage. On Monday, President Solih condemned the actions of the Israeli occupation forces in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, and called on the international community to investigate the human rights violations committed by Israeli forces against Palestinians.
In a statement commemorating the anniversary of the day the Maldives embraced Islam issued on Monday, President Solih, representing the sentiments of all Maldivian citizens, implored the international community to seek justice for the millions of Palestinians living under Israeli occupation.
Over 3,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza since Hamas launched its ‘Operation al-Aqsa Flood’ inside Israel on 7 October. Health officials in Gaza said that most of the victims of the Israeli attack on the hospital are women and children and that the death toll will increase as many bodies remain unidentified, Al Jazeera reported.
António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, also called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. In a post on X, he said, “I call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Middle East to ease the epic human suffering. Too many lives – and the fate of the entire region – hang in the balance.”
On Tuesday, the Maldives launched a nationwide telethon titled ‘We are with Palestine,’ aimed at collecting much-needed funds for Palestinians in Gaza who are facing an escalating humanitarian crisis as Israel continues to wreak devastation upon Palestine. The telethon was organised by local media outlets in collaboration with the International Aid Campaign (IAC) and was broadcast live across several channels.
