President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has reaffirmed the Maldives’ support for an independent and sovereign Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
In a message marking the 38th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of Palestine on November 15, Muizzu extended greetings to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Mustafa and the Palestinian people.
He reiterated the Maldives’ “unwavering commitment, unshakable resolve and unconditional support” for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
Muizzu also ended his message with the statement: “From the River to the Sea, Palestine will be Free.”
On the 38th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of Palestine, I extend good wishes to President Mahmoud Abbas, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Musthafa and the brotherly people of Palestine. May I, on this auspicious occassion, retierate the unwavering commitment, unshakable resolve and unconditional support of the Maldives towards realising the common dream of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine, based on pre-1967 borders, and with East Jerusalem as its proud capital. "From the River to the Sea, Palestine will be Free"— Dr Mohamed Muizzu (@MMuizzu) November 15, 2026
The Palestinian Declaration of Independence was proclaimed on 15 November, 1988.
The anniversary comes amid the ongoing Israeli assault in the Gaza Strip, which began following the Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel on 7 October, 2023. Israel subsequently launched a military offensive in Gaza, which has caused widespread destruction and a severe humanitarian crisis.
In September 2025, the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry concluded that Israel had committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, finding that Israeli authorities and security forces had committed four of the five acts defined under the Genocide Convention. The Commission also found that Israel had failed to prevent or punish the genocide.
Amnesty International, citing reports by Israeli human rights organisations B’Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights Israel published in July 2025, also said the organisations had concluded that Israel was committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
The International Association of Genocide Scholars has also adopted a resolution concluding that Israel’s actions in Gaza meet the legal definition of genocide.
The Maldives has consistently supported Palestinian statehood and called for an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories.
