Maldives preps for Friday rally in solidarity with Palestinians

The Maldives is scheduled to hold a rally in the capital Male’ on Friday in a show of solidarity with Palestinians.

The rally, titled ‘Dhiveheenge Bodu Evvun’ – which loosely translates to “major gathering of Maldivian people” – is organized by the International Aid Campaign (IAC) and Isra Association, with support from additional civic groups including the Mahaldheeb Foundation, Jamiyyathul Akhawaath, Maldives Türkiye Foundation, and Heyo Bingaa.

It will begin at the Artificial Beach area in Male’ City at 04:00 pm Friday.

In a press conference on Thursday, IAC’s international relations director Mohamed Ali said the time has come for the Muslim Ummah to rise as one.

He urged all civic groups, political parties and everyone - regardless of age - to join the rally.

“Everyone, come to the Artificial Beach at 04:00 pm. You can wear the colors of the Palestinian flag when you come – green, red, while and black. You can also carry flags, if you have them,” he said.

IAC urged people to bring items that represent Palestine and show solidarity.

Isra Association urged as many women as possible to join the rally.

Bring your children, they said.

Israel has declared war on Palestine, after Hamas launched a massive military operation into Israeli territory on October 7, in response to Israeli violation of the Al Aqsa Mosque and increased attacks on Palestinians by Israeli settlers.

Israeli forces continue pounding the Gaza Strip for a sixth day, killing at least 1,417 Palestinians, leveling down whole neighborhoods, and enforcing a total blockade – cutting off the besieged enclave from food, water, electricity, and medical supplies.