By New York, September 24, 2024 – In an impassioned speech during the General Debate at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), President Mohamed Muizzu of the Maldives condemned Israel’s continued military assaults on Gaza and Lebanon, calling for immediate global intervention. Addressing world leaders, Muizzu denounced the ongoing violence as “genocide” and urged the international community to hold Israel accountable for its actions against the Palestinian people.
“The ongoing massacre in Gaza is a travesty of justice and a stain on the conscience of the world,” President Muizzu declared, visibly moved as he detailed the suffering of civilians. “We are witnessing homes, hospitals, schools, and critical infrastructure being obliterated, while men, women, and children are slaughtered in the thousands.”
Muizzu highlighted the devastating impact of Israel’s military actions, noting that the repeated attacks not only kill civilians but also destroy the livelihoods of an already oppressed population. “The cries of the people of Gaza haunt anyone with a sense of humanity,” he said. “Their tears bitter our conscience.”
The Maldivian President criticized Israel’s targeting of journalists, who he described as the “eyes and ears of humanity,” and condemned the recent closures of media offices like Al Jazeera. “The killing of Palestinian journalists and the deliberate closure of media outlets is a brutal attempt to hide the crimes from the world,” he added.
Muizzu reaffirmed the Maldives’ unwavering support for Palestine, advocating for a sovereign, independent Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. He praised the recent decision to grant Palestine a seat in the UN General Assembly and called for Palestine’s full membership in the United Nations. “We must ensure that Palestine is not only seated among us but recognized fully as a member state,” Muizzu urged, emphasizing the need for decisive action to protect the rights of the Palestinian people.
His remarks echoed the growing frustration within the international community over the lack of meaningful action to stop the violence in Gaza. Muizzu emphasized that the atrocities committed by Israel represent clear violations of international law and UN resolutions. “Israel must be held accountable for these acts of terrorism,” he declared.
The Maldivian leader’s call for justice was met with applause from many member states, underscoring a shared sense of urgency to address the Palestinian crisis. Muizzu’s speech at the UNGA solidifies his leadership role in advocating for human rights and peace in one of the world’s most volatile regions. As a small island nation, the Maldives continues to champion global solidarity, amplifying the voices of those who are often silenced on the world stage.
In closing, President Muizzu implored the world to act swiftly: “We cannot stand idly by while innocent lives are lost. The world must unite for Gaza, for Palestine, and for humanity.”