Maldives condemns Israel’s plan to surge settler population in occupied Golan Heights

The Maldivian government has issued a statement condemning Israel after it approved a plan to increase the number of settlers in the illegally occupied Golan Heights, days after seizing more Syrian territory following the toppling of Syria’s longtime leader Bashar al-Assad.

In a statement on Monday, the Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the decision, describing it as “a blatant violation of international law.”

“This decision marks a blatant violation of international law, relevant United Nations Security Council and General Assembly resolutions, and further undermines ongoing efforts towards peace in the region,” said the Foreign Ministry in its statement.

The Maldives called upon the international community to take immediate and decisive action to compel Israel to cease its illegal settlement activities, end its aggression on Syrian territories.

“Further, noting that the Syrian Golan has been occupied since 1967, urge Israel to adhere to the relevant United Nations resolutions, including Security Council resolution 497 (1981),” it said.

The Maldives reiterated its firm position in support of Syria’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.

The Maldivian government also expressed support for all regional and international efforts aimed at restoring peace, security, and stability in Syria, while ensuring the aspirations of its people are realized.

On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the government had “unanimously approved” the “demographic development” of the occupied territory, which would seek to double the Israeli population there.

The new plan is only for the portion of the Golan Heights that Israel has occupied since 1967. In 1981, Israel’s Knesset moved to impose Israeli law over the territory, in an effective annexation.

The plan does not relate to the portion of Syrian land seized by Israel in the wake of al-Assad’s toppling a week ago. The seized area, which had been demilitarized as part of an agreement reached after the 1973 war, also includes Mount Hermon overlooking the Syrian capital Damascus.

Israeli occupation of the Golan Heights is illegal under international law.

In a statement, Netanyahu praised the plan, which provides more than 40 million shekels (approximately USD 11.13 million) to increase the settler population.

There are about 31,000 Israeli settlers spread across dozens of illegal settlements in the Golan Heights already.

Israel has launched hundreds of strikes on Syrian sites since opposition groups led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) overthrew al-Assad and moved to create a transitional government.