Maldives Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam has urged fellow Muslim-majority nations to move beyond statements and take firm, coordinated action on the Palestinian issue, while pressing for real consequences for Israel’s breaches of international law.
Addressing an emergency session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Iruthisham criticized Israel’s ongoing settlement building and land annexation in Palestinian territory. She noted her disappointment that, so far, accountability measures against Israel have fallen short, and pressed OIC members to adopt a firmer, more unified stance going forward.
According to the minister, any collective response from the bloc should mirror the OIC’s foundational commitment to Islamic solidarity and shared values across the Ummah.
She reaffirmed the Maldives’ longstanding position backing Palestinian statehood specifically, an independent nation built on pre-1967 boundaries with East Jerusalem serving as its capital and pledged continued support for Palestinians seeking justice and self-determination.
Iruthisham also pushed for tangible progress on the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, framing it as a viable route toward durable peace in the region.
This appearance marked the first time Iruthisham has represented the Maldives at an OIC gathering since taking on the foreign minister role. While in Jeddah, she also met bilaterally with several counterparts from other OIC nations, underscoring the strength of the Maldives’ ties with the organization.
Founded with 57 member states, the OIC continues to serve as one of the leading multilateral voices championing Palestinian rights and statehood on the world stage. The Maldives has belonged to the organization since 1976.
