Gov’t Calls on Islamic Nations to Hold Israel Accountable

Islamic Minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed delivered a resolute call for Islamic nations to hold Israel accountable for its actions against the Palestinian people during his address at the 15th Session of the Islamic Summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

The summit, themed “Enhancing Unity and Solidarity through Dialogue for Sustainable Development,” convened in Banjul, The Gambia, from May 4–5, 2024, where Dr. Shaheem represented President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu as a Special Envoy.

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Advocating for a sustained ceasefire and the urgent provision of humanitarian aid, Dr. Shaheem expressed profound concern over the United Nations Security Council’s perceived inaction towards achieving lasting peace.

Shaheem emphasised the need for Islamic nations to play a more active role and urged for collective efforts to address Israel’s alleged genocidal acts against Palestinians.

He also reaffirmed the Maldives’ support for Palestine’s quest for statehood within the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, and their pursuit of full UN membership.

In a broader context, Dr. Shaheem highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, urging collaboration with The Gambia to prevent Rohingya genocide, particularly in light of The Gambia’s intervention at the International Court of Justice against Myanmar.

Further underlining the importance of combating Islamophobia, Dr. Shaheem stressed the dissemination of accurate information about Islam’s principles of peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and tolerance.

The OIC summit held triennially, serves as a platform for leaders of Islamic nations to deliberate, make policy decisions, and provide guidance on matters concerning the Muslim community, as outlined in the OIC Charter. During this year’s proceedings, The Gambia assumed the chairmanship from Saudi Arabia, with resolutions on Palestine and Al-Quds Ash-Sharif among the documents expected to be adopted.

Since joining in 1976, the Maldives has actively participated in the OIC, which comprises 57 member states.