President Muizzu pledges Maldives will stand with Palestine 'without any conditions'

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has affirmed that the Maldives will stand with the Palestinian people without any conditions, during a meeting with Palestinian Prime Minister Dr. Mohammad Mustafa held on the sidelines of the COP31 Summit in Antalya, Türkiye. At the meeting, the President assured the Palestinian Prime Minister that the Maldives will continue to fully support efforts to secure the freedom, dignity, justice and the Palestinian people's right to determine their own path as a nation. The President noted that this solidarity is a symbol of the respect the Maldives always shows for the deep faith of the Maldivian nation, and for humanity and justice. He gave assurance that the Maldives will remain unwavering in its efforts to ensure the basic rights of the Palestinian people. He reiterated that this includes the right to establish an independent, sovereign State of Palestine based on the borders that existed before 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Giving assurance that the Palestinian people will never be alone, the President said the Maldives will stand with Palestine until justice, freedom and sustainable peace are established. The meeting comes as the Government has been the target of suspicions of links to Israel. Suspicion has been directed that Israeli citizens would be able to live in Rasmalé, following the decision to carry out a project there in partnership with UAE's Egaal Hills. The Government has denied those suspicions. In addition, in connection with the attacks Israel began on Gaza in October 2023, the Government has banned entry to the Maldives on Israeli passports. Most recently, the President announced that a decision has been made to permanently ban entry on Israeli passports.