Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam urged member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to take decisive action regarding the Palestinian issue, emphasizing the collective dedication among Member States to uphold the principles of the Muslim Ummah.

The Minister delivered the statements on Thursday at an Extraordinary Meeting of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The meeting represented Minister Iruthisham's initial involvement in an OIC session since taking office. In her speech, she fiercely criticized Israel’s ongoing unlawful occupation and annexation of Palestinian lands. She similarly voiced significant worry regarding the absence of substantial measures to ensure Israel is held responsible for its breaches of International Law.

Highlighting the shared duty of OIC member states to uphold Islamic Ummah values, Minister Iruthisham reiterated the Maldives’ steadfast dedication to promoting justice and safeguarding the essential rights of the Palestinian people. She emphasized the Maldives’ backing for the creation of a sovereign and independent Palestinian state founded on the pre-1967 borders, designating East Jerusalem as its capital. She urged the execution of a detailed strategy to resolve the conflict in Gaza as an essential measure for realizing enduring peace.

On the side of the meeting, Minister Iruthisham engaged in talks with foreign ministers from various OIC member countries, highlighting the enduring bond between the Maldives and the organization. The OIC, comprising 57 member states, is a significant global organization promoting Palestinian rights. The Maldives has been part of the organization since 1976 and remains actively involved and influential within the group.