Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom has urged all to do everything possible to provide assistance to the Palestinian people. He made the call in a message shared on social media in response to the ongoing attacks by the extremist Jewish state on Gaza.
On Friday, massive rallies were held across the country to call for an end to the siege of Gaza and the delivery of humanitarian aid. The rallies were attended by a large number of people who chanted slogans against the Jewish state and called for an end to the massacre in Palestine.
In an audio message shared on social media, President Maumoon said the courage and determination of the Palestinian people have not wavered in the face of brutal aggression, relentless bombings, injustice, and enforced starvation by the Zionist state. Drawing inspiration from their resilience, he said the Sumud Flotilla Coalition is preparing to send vessels from 44 countries to break the siege of Gaza and deliver aid.
President Maumoon stressed that although the Maldives is a small nation, it has consistently advocated for the rights of Palestinians and called for justice. He said the Maldives is proud to join international efforts to end the occupation of Gaza. The Sumud Flotilla will attempt to enter Gaza by sea, and will be one of the largest such efforts to date. He called on everyone to do what they can to end the occupation and provide assistance to the Palestinian people.
The Sumud Flotilla movement has been active since 2007, campaigning against the Jewish state's blockade of Gaza by sea, air and land. A total of 44 countries, including the Maldives, are taking part. The Maldives’ role in the alliance is to provide pre-boarding training to ships departing from Indonesia.
Azhad Ahmed, Director of Media and Public Relations at the International Aid Campaign (IAC) and a leading member of the organising committee, said the Maldives’ participation is highly valued by other countries. He added that many have praised President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s decision to ban Israeli passport holders from entering the country.