Maldives Condemns Israeli Settlement Expansion in Occupied Syrian Golan Heights

The Government of Maldives has strongly condemned Israel’s recent decision to expand illegal settlements in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, labeling it a blatant violation of international law and United Nations resolutions.

In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Maldives reaffirmed its steadfast support for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The government urged the international community to take decisive action to halt these activities, which undermine ongoing peace efforts in the region.

The Maldives referenced United Nations Security Council Resolution 497 (1981), which declared Israel’s annexation of the Golan Heights as “null and void.” It underscored that the Golan Heights, occupied since 1967, remains an integral part of Syria.

Expressing deep concern over the implications of settlement expansion, the Maldives reiterated its call for Israel to cease illegal settlement activities and aggression in Syrian territories. The statement also emphasized the Maldives’ support for regional and international efforts aimed at restoring peace, security, and stability in Syria while ensuring the aspirations of the Syrian people are realized.

Israel’s recent plan focuses on expanding settlements in the pre-existing occupied portion of the Golan Heights. This area, occupied since 1967 and annexed by Israel in 1981 through domestic legislation, hosts around 31,000 Israeli settlers living alongside minority groups, including the Druze, many of whom still identify as Syrian.

The expansion also includes newly seized territory, once a demilitarized zone established after the 1973 war. This move has further escalated tensions in the region, highlighting the pressing need for international intervention.