The Maldives government has called on Israel to withdraw from the occupied Palestinian territories.
The government expressed "grave concern regarding the ongoing escalation of violence in the Gaza Strip" in a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry.
"The Government and the people of Maldives have always stood in solidarity with the Government and the people of Palestine, and urged the full implementation of Security Council resolutions that have declared null and void the occupation of Palestine, and the annexation of the Holy City of Jerusalem," it read.
The government reiterated the position that a lasting peace in the Middle East can only be achieved through a two-State solution based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine.
Palestinian Hamas fighters in the Gaza Strip on Saturday carried out what appeared to be an unprecedented infiltration into southern Israel.
The elusive leader of Hamas' military wing says the armed group has launched a new military operation against Israel.
In a rare public statement, Mohammed Deif said that 5,000 rockets had been fired into Israel to begin “Operation Al-Aqsa Storm.”
“We’ve decided to say enough is enough,” Deif said as he urged all Palestinians to confront Israel.
Israel has called for tens of thousands of reservists to step up for a possible ground invasion into Gaza.
Gaza is in total darkness after Israel cut electricity lines, and many have evacuated their homes anticipating an intense attack from Israel.
Nearly 300 Israelis have been killed and 1,600 wounded while at least 232 Palestinians have been killed and nearly 1,700 wounded. The numbers are likely to rise for both sides
