The Maldives has issued a forceful appeal for the international community to act urgently to end Israel’s ongoing assaults on Gaza, particularly its health infrastructure, during the 78th World Health Assembly held in Geneva.
Delivering the country’s national statement, Health Minister Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim strongly condemned what he described as Israel’s systematic destruction of Gaza’s healthcare system, including attacks on hospitals, ambulances, and medical personnel. He stressed that such actions have left the people of Gaza deprived of even the most basic medical care and humanitarian support.
“The people of Gaza are being denied the protection and rights guaranteed under international law,” Minister Nazim stated, describing the situation as a dire humanitarian emergency. He pointed to the widespread displacement of civilians, targeted destruction of medical facilities, and obstruction of humanitarian aid deliveries as clear violations of international humanitarian norms.
Calling the assaults “genocidal,” the minister demanded an immediate halt to the attacks, while urging global powers and United Nations member states to ensure the urgent delivery of food, fuel, medical supplies, and other forms of aid to the besieged population. He also emphasised the urgent need for psychological support, child health services, and vaccination campaigns to prevent disease outbreaks in the overcrowded and devastated territory.
In his address, Minister Nazim made a direct appeal to international donors and governments to boost their contributions to the World Health Organization (WHO) to strengthen its response in Gaza. He also pressed for the full protection of humanitarian workers and health professionals on the ground.
The minister reaffirmed the Maldives’ unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people and its commitment to supporting all international efforts to uphold human rights, regardless of nationality or ethnicity. “Human dignity must be universal,” he said.
This call from the Maldives adds to a growing chorus of international concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, as civilian casualties and the collapse of healthcare services continue to mount amid ongoing conflict.
