When questioned by the Parliament's Foreign Relations Committee, Minister Zameer stated that efforts to send fish cans had been relentless, but there are significant challenges.
Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer has stated in a parliamentary committee that the previous government had decided to donate two million cans of fish from the Maldives to aid those affected in Palestine, but this donation is yet to be sent.
In October last year, the administration of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih decided to donate two million cans of fish to Palestine as part of its humanitarian efforts for the hundreds of thousands affected by Israeli attacks.
When questioned by the Parliament's Foreign Relations Committee, Minister Zameer stated that efforts to send fish cans had been relentless, but there are significant challenges.
That is why we have already initiated discussions with the Egyptian government to facilitate the delivery of fish cans to the Palestinians, Zameer said.
"However, we have not yet found a way to transport the goods. We are prepared, and the Egyptian government has also said arrangements are being sought to get the job done. Therefore, we are ready to deliver the goods once the arrangements are made," he added.
On October 7, Hamas launched its attack on Israel which left about 1,160 people dead and took about 250 hostages. Israel's retaliatory campaign has killed at least 29,092 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to the latest count by the territory's health ministry.
South Africa stated at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) yesterday that Israel has committed more atrocities in Palestinian territories than the pre-1994 racial differentiation in South Africa. This statement came after 52 countries supported the court's request for a preliminary opinion on the legal consequences of Israel's occupation of Palestine.
Minister Zameer stated to the parliamentary committee that the Maldives actively participated in the UN General Assembly's request for the ICJ's prior advice on legal matters concerning Israel's actions in occupied lands, including East Jerusalem.
The Maldives submitted a written statement to the ICJ on July 25, 2023, at the request of the Government of Palestine. An oral statement from the Maldives to the ICJ is scheduled for February 26, 2024, regarding this issue.
The Minister emphasized that the Maldives has aligned itself with South Africa's case against Israel in the ICJ and continues to advocate for the Palestinian cause.
Minister Zameer stated that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's administration has ensured that the Maldives will remain steadfast in its support for the Palestinian cause. The Maldives supports a two-state solution and asserts that the borders should revert to the pre-1967 status before Israel's invasion of Palestine. The country maintains its stance that an independent Palestinian state should be established, enjoying all corresponding rights, Minister Zameer said.
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