The Maldives has joined a coalition of Arab and Muslim nations in denouncing recent remarks by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promoting his vision for a “Greater Israel,” a concept viewed as expansionist and in violation of international norms.
The “Greater Israel” idea, embraced by hardline ultranationalist factions, is believed to encompass claims over the occupied West Bank, Gaza, and territories in Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, and Jordan.
In a joint statement, Maldives stood alongside 30 Arab and Islamic foreign ministers, as well as the Secretaries-General of the League of Arab States, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), in rejecting the so-called vision. The statement stressed that such rhetoric undermines the Palestinian people’s legitimate right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The coalition called for an immediate halt to Israeli settlement activity, unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza, the lifting of the blockade, and urgent steps to safeguard peace, security, and stability in the region.
Maldivian Foreign Minister Dr Abdulla Khaleel reiterated the country’s unwavering support for Palestine on social media platform X, reaffirming its commitment to a “just, comprehensive, and lasting peace.”
The joint condemnation came just a day after large-scale demonstrations were held in Malé, where people of all ages gathered at Maafannu Turf Grounds holding placards and banners in solidarity with Palestine. The protest was part of the Global Sumud Flotilla initiative, a movement aimed at breaking the blockade of Gaza by sea, opening humanitarian corridors, and ending the violence. Similar demonstrations took place in around 50 islands across the Maldives.
For the past year and a half, Maldives has been among the most vocal nations in international forums on the Palestinian issue, particularly in response to the Gaza crisis. The government has paired its statements with concrete policy measures, including participation in three legal proceedings against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and an unprecedented travel ban on Israeli passport holders — a move underscoring the Maldives’ firm and uncompromising stance.
