The Maldives has aligned with a coalition of Arab and Muslim nations in strongly condemning recent remarks by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promoting his vision of a "Greater Israel"—an expansionist ideology widely criticized for violating international norms.
The concept, often associated with hardline ultranationalist factions, is believed to include territorial claims over the occupied West Bank, Gaza, and parts of Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, and Jordan.
In a joint statement, the Maldives joined 30 Arab and Islamic foreign ministers, along with the Secretaries-General of the League of Arab States, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), in rejecting Netanyahu’s rhetoric. The statement emphasized that such views undermine the Palestinian people's legitimate right to self-determination and the creation of an independent Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The coalition also called for an immediate end to Israeli settlement activities, unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza, the lifting of the blockade, and urgent measures to restore peace and stability in the region.
Maldivian Foreign Minister Dr. Abdulla Khaleel reaffirmed the country’s unwavering support for Palestine on the social media platform X, pledging continued commitment to achieving a “just, comprehensive, and lasting peace.”
The condemnation followed mass demonstrations in Malé, where citizens gathered at Maafannu Turf Grounds with banners and placards in support of Palestine. The rally was part of the Global Sumud Flotilla initiative, a movement pushing to break the Gaza blockade, open humanitarian corridors, and end the ongoing violence. Similar demonstrations took place across approximately 50 islands in the Maldives.
Over the past 18 months, the Maldives has emerged as one of the most vocal advocates for Palestine on the global stage, particularly in response to the crisis in Gaza. The government has backed its rhetoric with action, including involvement in three legal proceedings against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the implementation of a travel ban on Israeli passport holders — a bold move that underscores the Maldives' firm and principled stance.
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