Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Abdulla Khaleel has condemned calls for the displacement of Palestinians, denouncing them as unjust and unacceptable.

Speaking at the Extraordinary Session of Foreign Ministers convened by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, he stressed the urgency of protecting Palestinian rights and ensuring uninterrupted humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The session was held in response to former US President Donald J. Trump’s recent suggestion to relocate Palestinians from Gaza to Egypt and Jordan, despite a ceasefire agreement that halted Israeli military operations since October 7, 2023. Egypt, Jordan, and other Arab and Islamic nations, including the Maldives, have rejected the proposal.

Minister Dr Khaleel stressed that Israel violated the ceasefire and expressed deep concern over the ongoing genocide in Palestine. He condemned forced displacement and called for immediate, unrestricted humanitarian aid to Gaza, criticising Israel’s ongoing restrictions despite the truce.

He also reaffirmed the Maldives' support for Egypt’s proposal for the reconstruction of Gaza, adopted at the Arab League Summit, which aims to help Gaza residents remain in their homeland with international backing. The Maldives has also submitted a statement to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding Israel’s obstruction of humanitarian aid.

Minister Dr Khaleel reiterated that the only sustainable solution to the conflict is the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. This stance aligns with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s continued advocacy for Palestinian rights in international forums.

The OIC, comprising 57 member states, has consistently supported Palestinian rights. The Maldives has been an active member since 1976.