The Government of Maldives has issued a strong condemnation of Israel’s recent decision to confiscate the headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in East Jerusalem for settlement purposes. 

In a statement released today, the Maldives denounced Israel’s continuous violations of international and humanitarian law, which encompass the illegal expansion of settlements, destruction of UN agencies and their humanitarian missions, as well as the obstruction and attacks on aid workers, all without any accountability.

These actions, the Government asserts, not only obstruct the provision of essential services and the fundamental rights of the Palestinian people but also jeopardize the only viable path to lasting peace—namely, the establishment of a sovereign State of Palestine based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The Maldives commended UNRWA for its unwavering commitment to its life-saving work during these challenging times. 

In light of the escalating violence since October 7, the Maldivian Government expressed its solidarity with the Palestinian people.

According to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, the ongoing Israeli attacks have resulted in at least 42,227 deaths, including nearly 16,765 children, while over 98,464 individuals have sustained injuries, and more than 10,000 remain unaccounted for. 

On Monday, an Israeli airstrike targeted the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital complex in Deir el-Balah, where displaced Palestinians had sought refuge from the relentless assault on the besieged territory.

The attack ignited flames that swept through a packed tent camp, resulting in at least four fatalities and injuring dozens more, according to international news reports.

The Government of Maldives reiterated its call for the international community to urgently ensure that Israel is held accountable for its unlawful actions against the Palestinian people.