Maldives joins the OIC in calling for an immediate halt to attacks on Palestine by Israeli forces

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdulla Shahid, participated in the Open-Ended Virtual Extraordinary Meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Executive Committee at the Level of Foreign Ministers on Sunday. The meeting, convened at the request of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, brought together Foreign Ministers of the OIC to discuss the aggression and attacks by Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

In his statement, Minister Shahid condemned the violent attacks on Palestinian civilians by Israeli forces in occupied East Jerusalem and Gaza. He stated that the forceful eviction of Palestinian families in Sheikh Jarrah, attacks on unarmed worshippers in the grounds of the holy Al-Aqsa Mosque, and constant bombardment of Gaza by Israel is in violation of international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions. He further said that an internationally agreed two-state solution that establishes an independent and sovereign State of Palestine, based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with relevant resolutions, is the only solution for lasting peace and stability in the region.

The meeting concluded with the adoption of a resolution by the Executive Committee of the OIC calling for an immediate halt to these attacks and condemning Israel for violating international law.

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation, comprising of 57 Member States, has constantly advocated for the rights of Palestinian people and a two-state solution. The Maldives has been an active member of the OIC since becoming a member in 1976.