President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has voiced out the urgent need for international action to address the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
Beginning his national address at the opening of the Plenary session, President Muizzu drew attention to Israel's continued defiance of the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) order to halt its attacks on the Palestinian people in Rafah. He called on world leaders attending the conference to unite in their demand for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
"As we speak, Israel is defying the ICJ’s order to immediately halt its attack on the Palestinian people in Rafah," President Muizzu stated. "We, the world leaders at this Conference, must unite in calling on Israel to stop the war. Stop the apartheid. And stop the genocide immediately."
Highlighting the shared vulnerabilities of Small Island Developing States to climate change, President Muizzu expressed empathy with Palestine, noting that both feel marginalized by the international system. He stressed the necessity for Israeli leaders to face justice and be held accountable for their actions.
President Muizzu's remarks underscored the gravity of the situation in Rafah and the broader implications for international peace and security. His call to action resonated with the conference's theme of resilience and collaboration, urging global leaders to stand together against injustice and violence.
The SIDS4 conference, which brings together leaders and stakeholders from Small Island Developing States, serves as a crucial platform for addressing not only regional issues but also pressing global challenges. President Muizzu's impassioned plea highlighted the interconnectedness of global peace efforts and the need for a unified response to crises affecting any part of the world.
The conference, themed "Charting the Course Towards Resilient Prosperity," aims to foster sustainable development and resilience among small island nations. However, President Muizzu's remarks poignantly reminded attendees that achieving these goals requires a collective stand against all forms of oppression and violence, wherever they occur.