Maldives Foreign Minister Joins Protesters in Demanding Ceasefire

In a rare display of solidarity, the Foreign Minister of Maldives, Moosa Zameer, emerged from the Foreign Ministry today to address and support protesters demanding an immediate ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. The demonstration, which initially began outside the Parliament, gained momentum as parliament members joined in solidarity with the call for a halt to hostilities.

Protesters, then marched to the Foreign Ministry, demanding not only a ceasefire but also the prohibition of Israeli passports and tourists from entering the Maldives. The atmosphere was charged as the crowd called for the blacklisting of Israeli officials.

Minister Zameer, responding to the voices of the protesters, came out to address the gathering. He revealed that the President of Maldives had recently held discussions with the Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Palestinian Ambassador, and representatives of other nations. These discussions reinforced the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire and the establishment of open humanitarian corridors, with a focus on returning to the 1967 borders.

"The president met over the last few days with the OIC Secretary General and the Palestinian Ambassador, as well as other countries, all of whom he has told that we need an immediate ceasefire and open humanitarian corridors to return to 1967 borders," Minister Zameer explained.

As the protesters intensified their calls for an immediate ceasefire, Minister Zameer echoed their sentiments, declaring, "Ceasefire now, you know, that's our stand. Ceasefire now," and joined the crowd in chanting the demand.

The conflict, which began on October 7 and has persisted for nearly two months, has taken a devastating toll, with over 14,000 Palestinians reported killed in Israeli attacks. Shockingly, among the casualties are 5,500 children, highlighting the dire humanitarian crisis in the region.