Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla has expressed the Maldives’ concern about the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the suffering of the civilians and urged swift international action to end the violence and uphold justice.

He made the remarks in a speech delivered on Monday at the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

"We are deeply concerned about the ongoing unrest in Gaza and the suffering of its people. We call on the international community to take appropriate action to stop the atrocities and establish justice in Gaza," Abdul Raheem said.

He said that lawmakers should set an example in working against the genocide in Gaza and put political intentions first.

“We, parliamentarians, should set an example in this regard by expressing our political will; instead of just verbal commitments, we should make practical efforts to pave the way for justice, equity and sustainable politics,” he said.

Meanwhile, the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)'s bill on banning Israeli passports has been stalled in the People's Majlis for nearly a year.

The government has promised to ban entry with Israeli passports. The decision was made on June 2, but no steps have been taken so far.

Attorney General (AG) Ahmed Usham later said a blanket ban on Israeli citizens was not advisable.

The ruling People's National Congress (PNC) MPs prefer imposing a ban on Israeli government and military officials rather than banning the Israeli passport.