Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Abdulla Khaleel has strongly condemned Israel’s use of starvation as a weapon of war against civilians in Palestine, describing it as a brutal and deliberate act with devastating consequences for the people of Gaza.

Speaking at the Extraordinary Meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Minister Dr Khaleel denounced Israel’s escalating crimes of starvation, extermination, and siege, as well as its plan to impose full military occupation of the Gaza Strip.

He underscored that the seizure of Gaza and the forced displacement of its population were flagrant violations of international law. Minister Dr Khaleel also expressed grave concern over the limited global response to the worsening humanitarian crisis, stressing the urgent need for unimpeded humanitarian aid and the establishment of a permanent ceasefire.

Reaffirming the Maldives’ unwavering support for the Palestinian cause, the Minister assured that the country would continue to advocate at international platforms for the recognition of Palestine based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. He urged OIC member states to intensify joint efforts to realise Palestinian statehood, emphasising that lasting peace can only be achieved through an independent and sovereign Palestine.

The OIC, comprising 57 member states, has long stood as a key advocate for the Palestinian cause. The Maldives has been an active member since joining the organisation in 1976.