Maldives Calls to Immediately Halt Israeli Attacks on Occupied Palestinian Territories

Yesterday, a Foreign Minister Level meeting was held by Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with participation from Foreign Ministers of the OIC, the Open-Ended Virtual Extraordinary Meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Executive Committee. 

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation consists of 57 Member States and the Maldives became a member in 1976. OIC has constantly been advocating for the rights of Palestinian people and a two-state solution. 

Foreign Minister of the Maldives, Abdulla Shahid took part in the meeting to discuss the aggression and attacks by Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. In his statement, he condemned the acts in the strictest words, highlighting the violent nature of Israeli forces in attacking Palestinian civilians in occupied East Jerusalem and Gaza.  

Since the attacks started, Israeli forces have continued to harass Palestinians, in 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.  

Minister Shahid called for 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 as the only solution for lasting peace and stability in the region. 

The Executive Committee of the OIC adopted the resolution and joined in the call for an immediate halt to these attacks and condemning Israel for violating international law.