Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has firmly rejected former U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal for the United States to take over Gaza and turn it into a tourist destination.

Delivering his presidential address at the opening of Parliament, President Muizzu stressed that Gaza belongs to the Palestinian people and that the Maldives will never support any plan that forces their displacement. He reaffirmed his country's unwavering support for Palestine’s right to establish a sovereign state.

“The land of Gaza belongs to the Palestinian people. The Maldives will never support any plans by anyone that destroy the dreams of Palestinians in establishing their own sovereign state,” he said.

President Muizzu further emphasized that the Maldives will always advocate for adherence to the pre-1967 borders and continue to support and assist Palestine in its pursuit of a free and independent state.

His remarks come a day after Trump, speaking at a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, announced a controversial redevelopment plan, stating that the U.S. would “take over” and “own” Gaza after resettling Palestinians elsewhere. He claimed the plan could turn the war-torn enclave into "the Riviera of the Middle East."

Trump’s proposal has been met with global condemnation, with experts warning that it constitutes ethnic cleansing and violates international law. Several world governments, including Spain, France, Russia, China, and Ireland, have also rejected the plan.

The Maldives has long maintained its support for Palestine, consistently calling for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.