President Muizzu Returns from Doha Summit, Condemns Israeli Aggression as an Affront to Islamic Dignity

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu returned to Malé on Monday following an official visit to Qatar, where he participated in the Emergency Arab-Islamic Summit convened in Doha on 15 September. The summit, held under the aegis of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), brought together leaders from member states to articulate a unified response to the Israeli attack on Qatar and to advocate for international protections of Palestinian rights.

In his address to the summit, President Muizzu condemned the Israeli airstrike on Doha that occurred on 9 September, describing the attack as a “crime against humanity”. He characterised the strike as a direct affront to the dignity of the Arab and Islamic world and urged global powers to hold Israel accountable for war crimes and restore peace across the region.

“The Maldives firmly stands shoulder to shoulder with the Government and the people of Qatar,” he declared, calling for decisive international action in defence of justice and human dignity.

He also drew attention to Israel’s broader conduct in Gaza, Palestine, citing the targeted killing of Palestinian doctors, journalists, humanitarian workers, and civilians. Warning that Gaza was being “turned to ashes without hesitation”, he stressed the urgency of robust countermeasures.

Israel’s actions, President Muizzu stated, are not the conduct of a state seeking peace, but of an aggressor that thrives on perpetual war and commits crimes against humanity. By normalising brutality and weaponising fear, he added, it seeks to extinguish the hopes of an entire people.

“The Maldives rejects this path of destruction and stands unwavering in defence of human dignity, justice, and the right to live free from oppression and occupation,” he added. His remarks included praise for Qatar’s diplomatic efforts, which he said should be recognised and not met with “displeasure and oppression”.

During a bilateral meeting held on the sidelines of the summit, President Muizzu met with the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. He extended condolences for the lives lost in the attack, referring to the deceased as martyrs, and reaffirmed the Maldives’ commitment to supporting Qatar’s efforts to advance regional peace.

The leaders also explored opportunities to deepen bilateral relations and expand cooperation across sectors of mutual interest. President Muizzu expressed appreciation for Qatar’s ongoing assistance to the Maldives and commended its leadership in humanitarian and mediation initiatives concerning Palestine.

The visit, undertaken at a pivotal moment for the Islamic world, provided a platform for the Maldives to reaffirm its commitment to international law and the protection of human rights. A statement issued by the President’s Office described the engagement as reinforcing diplomatic ties between the Maldives and Qatar, and underscoring the Maldives’ “longstanding commitment to defending human dignity, justice, and the right of all peoples to live free from oppression and occupation.”