The Government of the Maldives today condemned in the strongest terms the actions of extremist Israeli settlers who, under the protection of their armed forces, stormed the courtyard of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, raised the Israeli flag there, and blocked worshippers from entering the mosque for prayers.

In a statement issued to condemn these actions, the Maldivian Government stated that these acts by Israel are in clear violation of international laws.

The statement noted that Israel is committing these acts under a deliberate plan to undermine the sanctity, legal status, and historical and religious significance of one of the most sacred sites for the Islamic Ummah.

The Maldivian Government also called upon the international community to take swift and decisive measures to stop and hold Israel accountable for its crimes against humanity, which are being carried out with total disregard for the principles maintaining the "status quo" of the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

The statement added that the Maldives will not cease its efforts in standing up for the rights of Palestine.

It further called for urgent international action to protect sacred Islamic sites and to guarantee the rights of the Palestinian people.