The Government of Maldives has condemned the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque by Israeli forces last Friday, attacking and arresting unarmed Palestinian worshipers, during this holy month of Ramadan.
In a statement, the government said that the actions of Israel in the Al-Aqsa Mosque and Occupied Palestinian Territories, are a clear violation of international law and the relevant UN Security Council and General Assembly resolutions.
It noted that such actions also undermine all efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region.
The government reiterated its unwavering support for the people of Palestine and their legitimate and just struggle to achieve a free, independent, and sovereign State.
It added that a lasting peaceful resolution of the conflict can only be realized through a two-state solution, with an independent and sovereign State of Palestine, based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Israeli forces raided the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem earlier on Friday with medics reporting at least 158 Palestinians injured in the ensuing violence as hundreds were detained.
The Islamic endowment that runs the site said Israeli police entered in force before dawn on Friday, as thousands of worshippers were gathered at the mosque for early morning prayers.
Aljazeera reported that it was the most serious violence at the holy site in nearly a year. Palestinians view any large deployment of police at Al-Aqsa as a provocation.
