Minister of Foreign Affairs Moosa Zameer has announced the Maldives' annual contribution to the United Nations (UN) relief fund for Palestine this year will be raised to USD 50,000. This remarks were delivered during the "Maldives with Palestine" telethon organised by Public Service Media to aid Palestinians.
The decision marks a tenfold increase from the previous annual contribution of USD 5,000 to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine (UNRWA), which was established in 1948 following a UN resolution.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has called to be marked by the largest contribution to the Palestinians from the people of the Maldives in the nation's history. He expressed hope that the funds raised will have a significant impact on the lives of the Palestinian people. The President made these remarks while speaking at the nationwide fundraising telethon campaign launched today, under the slogan 'Falastheenaa Eku Dhivehin,' which translates to 'Maldivians in Solidarity with Palestine.'
In his address, the President emphasised the urgent need for assistance for the Palestinian people. He highlighted that now, more than ever, the Muslim Ummah must take all necessary steps to ensure that every Muslim is aware of their rights and responsibilities towards the Palestinian cause. He urged people to "display an abundance of generosity" during the fundraising event.
Concluding his speech, the President reiterated his unwavering belief that the Maldivians’ solidarity with Palestine would be demonstrated today. He also called on everyone to continue supporting Palestine.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Zameer emphasised that this substantial increase aligns with President Muizzu's resolve to bolster support for Palestinians in response to the ongoing violence by Israeli forces.
He detailed that the funds would be facilitated through the Ministry of Finance and the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA), with oversight from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. To ensure transparency, the process will be audited by Crowe Maldives LLP, and the proceeds from the telethon will be channeled through a special UN fund dedicated to Palestine.
Moreover, Minister Zameer also highlighted key policies formulated during the cabinet meeting on June 2, addressing the Palestinian issue comprehensively. The Maldives' stance includes the withdrawal of Israeli forces from territories occupied since 1967 and the advocacy for Palestinian self-determination. The policies also call for recognising Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine and support the establishment of an independent Palestinian state in line with UN Security Council resolutions 242 and 338.
Additionally, the Maldives played an active role in supporting Palestine at the international level, co-sponsoring a resolution submitted by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to recognize Palestine as a full UN member.
This resolution, adopted by the UN General Assembly on May 10, reflects the Maldives' ongoing commitment to advocating for Palestinian rights and seeking an end to the conflict in Palestine. Minister Zameer reiterated the Maldives' strong support for the UN Security Council's efforts to address the situation and ensure peace and justice for the Palestinian people.
