Maldives condemns Israeli attack on Palestinians waiting for humanitarian aid

The Government of Maldives has condemned the “heinous attack” perpetrated by Israeli forces on unarmed Palestinian civilians who were waiting for humanitarian aid in the strongest terms.

Israeli forces open fired on unarmed Palestinian civilians waiting for humanitarian aid near Gaza killing over 100 people and wounding over hundreds more.

In a statement condemning the attack in the strongest terms – the Maldivian Foreign Ministry described the attack as a grave violation of international law and human rights standards.

“The Government of Maldives reiterates its call to bring an immediate ceasefire to ensure the protection of civilians in accordance with the international law, and calls on the international community to take immediate and decisive action to hold the perpetrators accountable,” the statement read.

The statement also reaffirmed the Government and Maldivian people’s stand in firm solidarity with the people of Palestine and the efforts aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace in the region. 

The war in Gaza began when Hamas sent fighters into Israel on October 7, killing around 1,200 people and seizing 253 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Gaza health authorities say 30,000 people have been confirmed killed in the enclave since then, with thousands of others believed buried under rubble.

More than 90 percent of Palestinians have been uprooted by the Israeli attacks.