The Maldives has strongly condemned the recent comments made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which suggested the establishment of a Palestinian state within the territory of Saudi Arabia.
A statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday described the remarks as “irresponsible and provocative.”
“The Maldives reaffirms its unwavering solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and categorically rejects any statements that threaten Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity,” the statement said. “Such statements constitute a clear violation of international law and the United Nations Charter.”
The Maldives also reiterated its support for the Palestinian people, affirming their right to establish an independent state based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The statement concluded by calling on the international community to take a strong position against such remarks, warning that they undermine regional stability and represent a denial of Palestinian rights.
“The continued denial of the rights of the Palestinian people is unacceptable,” the statement said.
The remarks by Netanyahu, who is sought by the International Criminal Court (ICC) on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity related to Israel’s 15-month-long brutal war on Gaza, have drawn widespread criticism across the Arab world and beyond, with many calling them a threat to regional peace.
By the time Israel agreed to a ceasefire last month, it had killed more than 48,000 Palestinians, including about 18,000 children, and left nearly 95 percent of Gaza’s civilian infrastructure destroyed, with critical services severely disrupted. More than 111,000 Palestinians were injured in Israel’s military campaign, during which Palestinians endured daily bombardments, death, injuries, displacement, and starvation. International rights organisations, including Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, MSF, and others, have accused Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
The Israeli onslaught began on 7 October 2023 after attacks on southern Israel led by the Palestinian resistance group Hamas.
Despite a ceasefire, Israeli troops have continued to attack Palestinians in Gaza City, killing at least three on Sunday.
The Maldives has been a long-standing advocate for the Palestinian cause.