News Desk
The Maldives has recently intensified its efforts to support Palestine through financial donations and educational forums.
Tonight, the Islamic Ministry, in collaboration with the Isra Association, will host a forum titled “Unity of Palestine and the Ummah.” The event, featuring talks by prominent religious scholar Dr. Abdul Sattar Abdul Rahman and academic Dr. Abdul Hannan Waheed, is scheduled to commence at 8:30 p.m. at the Islamic Centre. Dr. Waheed, speaking to truthMV, expressed his intention to highlight the historical context and current affairs of Palestine, emphasizing the need for unity within the Muslim Ummah.
The Maldives’ government has also made substantial financial contributions to aid Palestinians. The Zakat Fund has allocated $100,000 to support those in need in Palestine. Additionally, a recent telethon organized by the government and state media outlet PSM successfully raised MVR 19 million. The funds were handed over to the Foreign Ministry during a ceremony this week.
Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer, during his visit to New York on June 27, met with Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour at the United Nations Headquarters. Following their meeting, Zameer posted on X: “Met with Ambassador Riyad Mansour @Palestine_UN this afternoon and reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the #Maldives to support our brothers and sisters in Palestine to attain their long overdue right to self-determination and admission as a full member State of the UN. The Maldives will remain steadfast in condemning Israel’s genocidal aggression, calling for an immediate ceasefire, and bringing an end to the ongoing genocide by Israel in Gaza.”
PSM’s Managing Director, Zeena Zahir, detailed the telethon’s success, noting that MVR 18,418,922 and $49,800 were collected. The telethon, titled “Palestine with the Maldives,” ran from 8:00 a.m. to midnight on the 12th of last month. Fundraising activities included placing collection boxes throughout the city and enabling online transfers. The event saw widespread participation from government institutions, schools, private individuals, and companies. The proceeds, destined for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), are part of a broader increase in the Maldives’ annual contribution to the UN Fund, which has risen from $5,000 to $50,000.
At the handover ceremony, Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer expressed the deep connection between the people of the Maldives and Palestine. The counting of the funds, carried out by independent audit firm Crow Maldives, involved a significant effort, particularly due to the large volume of coins donated.
The Maldives’ multifaceted approach underscores its commitment to supporting the Palestinian people during these challenging times.
