Maldivians rally in solidarity with Palestine

The walk was organised by the Youth for Unity group together with religious scholars and other associations. Beginning at the capital’s western artificial beach, the walk ended at the eastern waterfront with a video presentation, sermon and special prayer for Palestinian victory. Participants trampled over an Israeli flag to enter the eastern artificial beach where flags were also set ablaze.  

“Muslims are one ummah [community]. Open the borders. Free, free Palestine,” they chanted. 

“Palestinians are in need of fighters, doctors, humanitarians and workers! Let us go!” and ”How many such innocent children have to be slaughtered before the ummah wakes up?” were among the slogans with the hashtag #WeFailedGaza. 

“They make our brethren swim in blood while we let them in the Maldivian sea!” read another placard.

Last week, the Maldives government followed through with an announcement made in June last year to ban the Israeli passport. The president ratified legal changes on Tuesday bar entry to Israeli tourists. 

The demand for the ban dated back to a demonstration outside parliament after Israel launched the military offensive in October 2023. It came amid fundraising efforts and protest marches over the rising death toll in Gaza. 

Over the following year and a half, fatigue appeared to set in as turnout declined. But a few individuals persisted. Youth for Unity continued weekly protests calling for a boycott of the KFC and Pizza Hut outlets in Malé, both of which were shut down in January. 

In August last year, Dr Shazra Ibrahim and Aishath Shadhiya were arrested for staging daily protests outside foreign embassies and the United Nations office. They were accused of trespassing at the private residences of the British and Saudi Arabian ambassadors.