President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has condemned Israel’s disproportionate use of force, adding that the Maldives remains in solidarity with the Palestinian people.

In a tweet on Saturday, President Solih renewed calls for a two-state solution to ensure peace for all.

"Maldives remains in solidarity with the Palestinian people and their right to dignity and self-determination. We condemn Israel’s disproportionate use of force on defenseless Palestinian communities and renew our call for a two-state solution that ensures peace for all," the tweet read.

President-elect Dr. Mohamed Muizzu also tweeted on the matter last night. In his tweet, Dr. Muizzu stated that Israel should end the illegal occupation of Palestine immediately and return the lands forcefully seized from Palestinians.

He further stated that Israel should recognize Palestine as an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital within 1967 borders and allow the immediate return of refugees.

Fighting between Israeli forces and the Palestinian group Hamas continues with hundreds killed on both sides after a surprise attack on Israel prompted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to warn of “a long and difficult war“.

The number of Palestinians killed in the besieged Gaza Strip has risen to 256, health officials say. About 1,800 others were wounded.

The death toll in the Gaza Strip included 20 children, according to the Ministry of Health. At least 120 minors were wounded.

Israel’s military says at least 26 soldiers were killed in the unprecedented Hamas attack on the country’s south. In all, at least 300 Israelis have been killed, according to local media reports.