Mr. Chairman, Mr. Secretary General, Distinguished Colleagues Assalam Alaikum Warahmathullahi Wabarakaathuh,
I would like to begin by thanking the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and your Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, for convening this most timely meeting.
I thank His Excellency Dr. Riyad al-Maliki, Foreign Minister of the State of Palestine, for briefing us on the shocking developments on the ground. I assure you, my dear brother, of the Maldives’ unshakeable commitment to the Palestinian cause.
Excellencies,
Seven decades on, our sisters and brothers in Palestine continue their struggle for independence, freedom and peace. How much longer must we witness this grave injustice? Today’s meeting is an opportunity to renew our collective commitment to the cause of Palestine and Al-Quds Al-Shareef, which remains as the central issue of our Organization.
This year, the people of Palestine welcomed Ramadan and Eid with rubble, funerals and suffering. For our Ummah, Ramadan is a month of prayer, contemplation, kindness and charity. For Palestine, this is no exception – despite the blockade in Gaza running into its 15th year. Yet, for the Palestinian people, it was not a month of peace. Attacks on the people of Palestine during the holy month of Ramadan has reached a level of predictable certainty. This is simply unacceptable.
Excellencies,
Our sisters and brothers in Palestine continue to face constant violations of their fundamental rights and freedoms. The forceful eviction of Palestinian families in Sheikh Jarrah. The attacks on unarmed worshippers in the grounds of the holy Al-Aqsa Mosque. The constant and unrelenting bombardment in Gaza. The increase of violence in illegal settlements.
The Government of Maldives strongly condemns the violent attacks by Israeli forces on Palestinian civilians in occupied East Jerusalem and Gaza. This is a clear violation of international law, and relevant UN Security Council, General Assembly, and OIC resolutions. Lasting peace and stability can only be achieved with respect for international law.
Excellencies,
The Government of Maldives fully supports the resolution that will be adopted in today’s meeting.
We will always continue to speak about the plight of the Palestinian people, and their inalienable rights, including their right to self-determination. Let me take this opportunity to reiterate our firm commitment to an internationally agreed two-state solution, which establishes an independent and sovereign State of Palestine, with East Jerusalem as its Capital, based on the 1967 borders. We must remain united in this call until every Palestinian can live a life of peace, prosperity and dignity.
I thank you.