The Maldives has strongly condemned the Israeli occupation authorities’ plan to take control of Gaza, describing it as a blatant violation of international humanitarian law and a grave infringement on the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.

In a post on X, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu said the decision would deepen the suffering in the occupied Palestinian territories and pose a serious threat to lasting peace and regional stability. He reaffirmed Maldives' unwavering support for the Palestinian people, stressing that any attempt to seize control of Gaza or undermine Palestinian authority and sovereignty is unacceptable.

The President called on the international community to take urgent and concrete measures to prevent the implementation of Israel’s plan, to end Israeli aggression in Palestine, and to ensure accountability for all violations committed in the occupied territories.

The condemnation echoes the position of the United Nations’ human rights chief, Volker Türk, who has urged that Israel’s plan for a complete takeover of Gaza “must be immediately halted.” He warned that the move runs contrary to the International Court of Justice’s ruling that Israel must end its occupation “as soon as possible” and uphold the agreed two-state solution.

In its landmark July 2024 ruling, the ICJ declared Israel’s occupation of Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem unlawful, finding that it violated the international prohibition on racial segregation and apartheid.

Türk further emphasised that Israel must allow “the full, unfettered flow of humanitarian aid” into Gaza, and called on Palestinian armed groups to unconditionally release their captives. He also urged Israel to release “Palestinians arbitrarily detained.”