His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kingdom of the Saudi Arabia,
His Excellency Riyad al-Maliki, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Palestine
Dear Ministers, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today, we are confronted with a grave reality that challenges both our collective conscience and the fundamental tenets of the United Nations. The sustained military actions perpetrated by Israel against the Palestinian people transcends mere political discord; it stands as a poignant reminder of our failure to prevent atrocities and safeguard the innocent, especially vulnerable children.
In recent months, Israel has intensified its military operations in the occupied Palestinian territory, notably in the Gaza Strip. This relentless deprivation of Palestinian’s fundamental rights to water, food, healthcare, and other basic necessities, compounded by deliberate attacks on essential civilian infrastructure such as hospitals, bakeries, and water wells, has precipitated a wholly preventable, man-made, and unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. The blockade and siege imposed on Gaza constitute acts of collective punishment and may also amount to the use of starvation as a method of warfare, both of which are egregious violations of international humanitarian law. It is incumbent upon the international community to hold Israel accountable for these crimes against humanity. This is why, in just a few moments, the Maldives will be taking the floor at the International Court of Justice to deliver our oral statement, reaffirming our firm conviction that Israeli actions in the occupied Palestinian territory is against international law.
Excellencies,
Despite rulings from the International Court of Justice and widespread international appeals for restraint, Israel has persisted in intensifying its military endeavours, flagrantly disregarding principles of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.
We must resolutely stand against oppression, occupation, and injustice wherever they occur in the world, including in Palestine. Our failure to act promptly and decisively will only result in further transgressions of international law and the continued erosion of the human rights of Palestinians. The urgency of the situation demands immediate action. History will not forgive us if we remain passive bystanders. We must commit to the principle that human rights cannot be a privilege of a select group, as they are today. The Palestinian people must be afforded their fundamental rights to life, justice, dignity and self-determination. They must be freed of colonial control, domination and persecution by way of apartheid.
The Maldives urgently calls for an immediate ceasefire and the enforcement of the recent ruling of the International Court of Justice. Israel must cease its violations and commit to non-repetition and reparations. The Government of Maldives has decided to intervene in the case, in support of the people of Palestine.
We further commend and support the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) for its vital assistance to over two million Palestinians. The Maldives urgently calls upon the global community to bridge the funding gap for UNRWA without delay. This crisis transcends financial aid; it underscores our collective moral obligation and solidarity with the Palestinian people, ensuring the sustained delivery of humanitarian aid to Palestine.
It is imperative that we heed the voices of those enduring suffering and translate them into meaningful action. International community must take decisive actions to end Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestinian lands, which constitutes the root cause of this conflict.
Excellencies,
Before concluding, I reiterate that Maldives will continue to advocate for the rights of the Palestinian people and will tirelessly work towards a peaceful resolution to this protracted conflict. Maldives stands in unwavering solidarity with the people of Palestine, advocating for a just and lasting solution through the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian State with pre-1967 borders, and East Jerusalem as its capital.
Thank you.