Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Abdulla Khaleel has reaffirmed the Maldives’ strong support for the Palestinian people, condemning Israel’s continued confiscation of land in the occupied West Bank during an extraordinary meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Executive Committee.

The Foreign Minister delivered the Maldives’ statement at the Extraordinary Open-Ended Meeting of the OIC Executive Committee, convened in response to recent developments concerning land policies in the occupied Palestinian territories.

In his address, Minister Dr Khaleel criticised the classification of land in the West Bank as “state property”, stating that such actions contribute to the expansion of settlements and undermine international legal principles. He said the measures deepen annexation efforts and contravene established international norms.

The Minister reaffirmed the Maldives’ solidarity with the Palestinian people, describing the right to self-determination as fundamental and non-negotiable. He reiterated the Maldives’ longstanding position in support of Palestinian sovereignty and dignity.

In remarks shared on social media following the meeting, Minister Dr Khaleel said the Maldives would continue to advocate for Palestinian rights at international forums.

The extraordinary meeting was convened amid heightened tensions following decisions by the Israeli Cabinet earlier this month to expand control over parts of the occupied West Bank. Several participating states expressed concern over the implications of such measures for regional stability and the prospects of a two-state solution.

The Maldives has consistently supported the establishment of an independent State of Palestine based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.