President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has reaffirmed the Maldives’ unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people, saying that a nation’s sovereignty is not defined by its size or military power, but by its moral courage to uphold justice even under pressure.
In a written interview with Anadolu Agency, President Muizzu condemned Israel’s continued military actions in Gaza and criticized what he described as the international community’s “failure to enforce accountability.”
“True sovereignty is not measured by a nation’s size or might, but by its ability to uphold conscience in the face of pressure,” Muizzu said, emphasizing that moral leadership must not yield to political convenience or economic gain.
Call for Global Accountability
The Maldivian president urged the world to move beyond verbal condemnations and ensure that international law is applied equally to all nations, without exceptions.
“Israel must be held accountable through sustained political pressure, sanctions, and restrictions that make it clear such crimes will not be tolerated,” he said.
Dr. Muizzu warned that institutions such as the United Nations and international courts are “weakened not by their design, but by powerful states that prevent them from functioning as intended.”
He said leadership is tested when countries must choose between moral clarity and political expediency, noting that the Maldives rejects the idea of compromising principles for profit or convenience.
“If financial gain or political convenience outweighs the lives of innocent men, women, and children, then we have lost our moral compass as a global community,” he added.
Maldives’ Position on Palestine
Since taking office in November 2023, President Muizzu has taken several strong diplomatic steps in support of Palestine. In April 2024, his administration banned Israeli passport holders from entering the Maldives, citing Israel’s attacks on humanitarian aid vessels as a violation of international law.
The Maldives also joined South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in October last year — a move that Muizzu said reflected the nation’s long-standing commitment to justice for Palestinians.
“We will continue to call for a sovereign Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital,” Muizzu affirmed. “Our message is unwavering: until Palestine is free, our work is not done.”
He said the government remains engaged in international forums to ensure that the Palestinian cause “is never forgotten,” pledging continued support for Palestine’s full membership in the United Nations.
Standing Firm Despite Pressure
President Muizzu emphasized that even small nations can lead by example when it comes to defending moral principles.
“When a small country like the Maldives can take a clear stance against Israel, it represents more than a symbolic gesture — it is a declaration of principle,” he said.
He added that if more countries adopt similar positions, their collective action would have an “impact too great to ignore.”
“For the Maldives, sovereignty means the freedom to act in line with conscience. Even the smallest of nations can choose justice, and in doing so, remind the world of its duty to humanity,” Muizzu said.
The president reiterated that the Maldives’ ban on Israeli passport holders was a deliberate and principled decision, not a symbolic one. “Its impact should be measured by its moral value, not immediate results,” he said.
A Consistent Message of Justice
President Muizzu concluded by asserting that the Maldives will continue to advocate for accountability, justice, and human rights for the Palestinian people.
“The Maldives will continue to raise its voice in every forum and stand firmly with the Palestinian people until justice and freedom are achieved,” he stated.
