Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel has warned that Israel’s actions undermining international law set a troubling precedent for small states such as the Maldives, which depend on a rules-based global order to protect their sovereignty and independence.
Dr Khaleel made the remarks while addressing the 22nd Extraordinary Meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, held on Saturday in Jeddah. The meeting was convened to discuss Israel’s decision to recognise Somaliland as an independent state.
In his address, the Foreign Minister said Israel’s move constitutes a clear violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and runs contrary to established international principles, including those enshrined in the United Nations Charter. He cautioned that such actions weaken the foundations of international law and threaten the stability of the global system.
Dr Khaleel also drew attention to the wider situation in the Middle East, describing Israel’s continued disregard for international law as particularly alarming amid the escalating humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian territories. He strongly condemned what he described as ongoing violations, noting that they persist even as the international community calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
The Minister stressed that the erosion of international legal norms poses serious consequences for smaller nations. “For countries like the Maldives, international law and multilateral cooperation are essential safeguards,” he said, warning that undermining these frameworks jeopardises the security and safety of states with limited geopolitical power.
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation, a 57-member bloc, has consistently advocated for the rights of Palestinians and worked to address challenges facing the Muslim Ummah. Since joining the organisation in 1976, the Maldives has remained an active participant, using the platform to champion international law, justice, and the protection of sovereign rights on the global stage.
