The Government has condemned the demolition of buildings belonging to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in the Sheikh Jarrah area of occupied East Jerusalem, describing the actions as a breach of international law.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the demolitions undermine the work of the United Nations and humanitarian organisations, while further worsening the humanitarian conditions faced by the Palestinian people.

The Government noted that such actions contravene established principles of international law and run contrary to rulings issued by the International Court of Justice. It warned that continued interference with UN humanitarian operations threatens the delivery of essential services to vulnerable civilian populations.

The Maldives reiterated its support for UNRWA and its role in providing humanitarian assistance and protection to Palestinian refugees, emphasising the agency’s importance amid the ongoing crisis in the occupied Palestinian territories.

The Government also called on the international community to uphold its legal and moral responsibilities by taking concrete steps to ensure accountability for violations of international law, reaffirming the Maldives’ long-standing position in support of the rights of the Palestinian people.