The Maldives pledged a contribution of more than USD 1.29 million to Palestine, through the United Nations Relief Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) at the UNRWA Pledging Conference, held today at the UN Headquarters.
Maldives announced this pledge in a statement delivered by the Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the United Nations Dr. Ali Naseer Mohamed. In his statement, Ambassador Mohamed stated that the Maldives government has increased its annual contribution to UNRWA ten-fold, from USD5,000 to USD50,000.
The Ambassador noted that under the guidance of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, a telethon was organized to demonstrate solidarity with the Palestinians. The public supported the cause, raising an amount of MVR 18.4 million along with another USD49,800.
The Ambassador also emphasized the important role UNRWA plays in providing crucial services and emergency assistance to Palestinians, particularly in Gaza.
In the attacks launched since October 7, 2023, Israeli forces have killed more than 38,000 Palestinian civilians; most of them women and children.