Maldives Urges International Community to Hold Israel Accountable for Palestinian Territories

The Maldives has called upon the international community to ensure Israel is held accountable for its actions in the Palestinian territories, demanding an end to the culture of impunity and full adherence to international law. Speaking at the 62nd session of the Human Rights Council during an interactive dialogue with the Independent International Commission of Inquiry, Salma Rasheed, the Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the UN Office in Geneva, emphasized the urgent need to protect civilians. She urged Israel to comply with its legal obligations, specifically calling for the safeguarding of essential civilian infrastructure necessary for survival. A central pillar of the Maldivian statement was the demand for safe, sustained, and unhindered humanitarian access for those trapped and affected by the ongoing conflict. The government stressed that decisive measures must be taken immediately to prevent the further displacement of Palestinian populations and to provide effective rehabilitation and remedies for civilians. Beyond immediate humanitarian concerns, the Maldives advocated for the creation of conditions that would lead to a just and lasting peaceful resolution. This includes a fundamental respect for the rights of the Palestinian people and their inherent right to self-determination. Reaffirming its longstanding foreign policy position, the Maldives expressed strong support for ending the illegal occupation of Palestine. The government reiterated its commitment to the establishment of a sovereign, independent Palestinian state based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem serving as its capital.