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Maldives backs UN human rights probe into Gaza killings

Fathmath Shaahunaz
19 May 2018, MVT 21:23
Dr Hala Hameed, the Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the UN. PHOTO/FOREIGN MINISTRY
Fathmath Shaahunaz
19 May 2018, MVT 21:23

The Maldives has backed the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council's resolution to set up an independent commission to investigate Israel's recent killing of Palestinians in Gaza.

The council's 36th Session was held on Friday over the “deteriorating human rights situation in the occupied Palestinian territory”, after Israeli forces killed 60 Palestinians and injured over 2,700 during an unarmed protest against the move of the US Embassy in Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed that Dr Hala Hameed, the Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the UN, condemned "Israel’s systematic violations of the human rights of Palestinians, including the right to property, freedom of movement, development and self-determination" during the session.

Dr Hala further noted that despite countless UN Security Council resolutions, Israel had not been held accountable for its actions against the Palestinian people.

Reaffirming the Maldives' position that a two-state solution to recognise a sovereign state of Palestine is the only way to maintain sustainable peace in the region, the ambassador called upon the international community to prioritise the peace process.

The UN council's resolution to set up an independent commission to probe the killings was backed by 29 countries, while the United States and Asutralia rejected the proposal. Another 14 nations, including Britain, Germany and Japan abstained from the vote.

The resolution has been rejected by Israel's foreign ministry.

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