News Desk
Malé, Maldives — President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has welcomed the ceasefire agreement reached yesterday, halting 15 months of what he described as a “genocidal war” in Gaza. The announcement, posted on his official account on the social media platform X, reflects a strong stance from the Maldives on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, though it also underscores a controversial policy decision closer to home.
In his statement, President Muizzu expressed gratitude to the nations that facilitated the ceasefire, urging the international community to sustain the truce, support the return of displaced Palestinians, and ensure unhindered humanitarian assistance. The President further called on Israel to pay reparations for the destruction inflicted on Gaza and implored the global community to help Palestine rebuild from the devastation of prolonged aggression.
“This ceasefire is a critical step, but we must ensure it is not a temporary pause but the foundation for lasting peace and justice for the Palestinian people,” Muizzu wrote.
The President’s remarks come as his government faces mounting domestic criticism for its refusal to ban Israeli passport holders from entering the Maldives, a move that some citizens have vocally demanded amid heightened tensions. While President Muizzu has positioned himself as a staunch advocate for Palestinian rights on the international stage, this decision has sparked protests and ignited debates about the administration’s consistency on the issue.
Analysts suggest that the decision not to impose a ban could stem from diplomatic considerations or economic factors, given that the Maldives is a premier tourist destination with some Israeli interests in the sector. However, the policy remains highly polarizing among Maldivians, many of whom view it as inconsistent with the government’s strong rhetoric against Israeli actions in Gaza.
The Maldives has long been an outspoken advocate for Palestine at international forums, with President Muizzu amplifying calls for justice, including at the recent United Nations General Assembly, where he condemned Israeli actions as genocide and urged accountability.
As the situation in Gaza remains fragile despite the ceasefire, Muizzu’s government faces the dual challenge of navigating the complex dynamics of international diplomacy while addressing the fervent demands of its citizens for stronger action against Israel.
