The Maldivian government has condemned the statement made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the Israeli government would annex and apply Israel sovereignty over the Jordan Valley and the northern Dead Sea in the Occupied Palestinian Territories of West Bank, should he win the general elections in Israel next week.
A statement released by the Foreign Ministry read that any attempt to annex any part of the Occupied Palestinian Territories would be a grave violation of international law including the Geneva Conventions, and would further push back any chance of meaningful dialogue between the parties towards achieving a lasting peace in the Middle East.
The government called on the international community, including the United Nations Security Council, to undertake immediate efforts to uphold its relevant resolutions, especially resolution 2334 and to condemn the flagrant violations and disregard Israel has shown towards upholding the rule of law.
The statement assured that the government and people of the Maldives extend its full support to the Palestinians and will continue to advocate for a two State solution, with an independent and sovereign State of Palestine based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. The self-determination of the Palestinian people is paramount to achieving lasting peace in the Middle East, it read.
Over 65,000 Palestinian nationals reside in Jordan Valley under the control of the Israeli army. Netanyahu's statement has sparked international outrage, with Middle-Eastern countries calling on Israel to bring an end to their 'snatching' habits.
The Maldivian government's statement on the issue comes amid criticism from the opposition on delay in condemning Netanyahu's statement.
