The Maldives delegation staged a walkout at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Thursday as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took the podium for the General Debate.
Foreign Minister Dr. Abdulla Khaleel confirmed the move through a post on social media, describing it as a show of solidarity with the Palestinian people and a rejection of Israel’s continued assaults on Gaza.
The protest aligns with the Maldives’ longstanding position on the Palestinian cause. The country has consistently denounced Israel’s actions in the occupied territories, labeling them as inhumane and contrary to international law.
The walkout followed a rare moment earlier in the Assembly, when Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas delivered his remarks via video message after being denied a U.S. visa to attend in person. The Maldives was among the nations that supported the resolution allowing him to address the Assembly remotely.
By leaving the Assembly Hall, the Maldives reinforced its commitment to supporting Palestine at international forums and reiterated its call for the global community to uphold the rights of the Palestinian people.
