The Maldives joined Member States in walking out ahead of Israel’s address at the UNGA81 General Debate as a demonstration of its solidarity with Palestine and reaffirming its commitment to international law, justice, and the rights of the Palestinian people.
As the Israeli delegation prepared to take the podium during the high-level General Debate of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81), diplomats from numerous nations simultaneously vacated their seats.
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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted the collective nature of the demonstration, noting the nation’s position on international accountability and human rights.
This is not the first time the Maldives has walked out during an address by Israel at the UNGA. One of the most notable previous walkouts occurred on 26 September 2025, during the 80th Session (UNGA80), when the Maldivian delegation joined diplomats from over 50 nations in walking out of the hall as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stepped up to the podium.
The walkout underscores persistent international divisions regarding the genocide on Palestine and the broader enforcement of international humanitarian standards.
Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are representing the Maldives at UNGA81 in New York, participating in plenary meetings, bilateral talks, and high-level side events. The Maldivian delegation’s agenda prioritises climate finance for low-lying island states, sustainable development, global security, and small state sovereignty, using the General Assembly platform to highlight climate vulnerability and international governance equity.
The stance taken by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the UNGA reflects a diplomatic position established in 1974, when it severed relations with Israel in solidarity with Arab and Muslim nations. The Maldives has long-since maintained this position in support of Palestine.
