Hundreds of Maldivians gathered at Maafannu Stadium in Malé on Friday evening for a national mass rally in support of the Palestinian people, calling for an immediate end to Israel’s aggression and genocide in Gaza.

Protestors demanded the lifting of blockades and the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to the besieged territory. The event drew cabinet ministers, Palestinians residing in the Maldives, and Maldivians of all ages.

Similar demonstrations took place across several islands. The Maldives has long been an outspoken advocate for Palestinian rights at the United Nations and other international platforms.

According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, nearly 61,600 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces since October 2023. The war has intensified amid growing controversy over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s endorsement of the “Greater Israel” vision — a plan tied to settlement expansion and the displacement of Palestinians.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, who on Wednesday condemned Israel’s statements, rejected the settlement and expansion plans as violations of international law that undermine the Palestinian right to self-determination.