Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has hailed the Maldives’ participation in an international humanitarian mission aimed at breaking the Israeli blockade on Gaza, calling it a proud moment for the nation.
In a audio statement released via social media, Maumoon condemned what he described as the “continuous bombing, death, cruelty, and starvation” inflicted upon the Palestinian people by “Zionist Israel.” He praised the “unshaken courage and determination” of Palestinians despite days of relentless aggression.
Highlighting the efforts of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition — a network of organisations and activists from 44 countries — Maumoon noted that the mission will send ships to Gaza in a bid to deliver aid and challenge the blockade. He stressed that the Maldives, though a small nation, has always stood firmly for Palestinian rights and justice, and that its participation in the flotilla underscores its enduring solidarity.
“I call upon everyone to do whatever they can to end the siege on Gaza and provide assistance to the Palestinian people,” Maumoon urged, framing the initiative as both a moral duty and a point of national pride.
The Freedom Flotilla mission comes amid heightened international calls for humanitarian access to Gaza, as the enclave continues to face severe shortages of food, medicine, and essential supplies under the ongoing blockade.
