The Government of Maldives has filed its written statement at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the advisory proceedings on the Obligations of Israel in relation to the Presence and Activities of the United Nations, Other International Organizations and Third States in and in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
The United Nations General Assembly on 19 December 2024, adopted a resolution in which it requested the ICJ to render an advisory opinion on the obligations of Israel in relation to the presence and activities of the United Nations (UN), other international organizations, and third States in and in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory. In particular, the question addresses Israel’s obligations to ensure and facilitate the unhindered provision of essential supplies, basic services, and humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian civilian population.
According to the Attorney General’s Office (AGO), the Maldives' written statement examined international humanitarian law and obligations under certain human rights treaties, with a special focus on Israel’s violation of its obligations in respect to the unhindered provision of water to the Palestinian civilian population. AGO noted that the statement examined the obligations of Israel as a member of the UN in relation to the presence and activities of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), including Israel’s violation of international law in dismantling that vital organisation.
In the statement, the Maldives condemned the continuous breach of international law and international humanitarian law by Israel, including the illegal act of settlements expansion, destruction of UN agencies and its relief organisations, and obstruction and attacks on aid workers, without any repercussions. These actions not only hinder the provision of basic services and the realisation of the basic rights of Palestinians but also undermine the only path to lasting peace, which is the establishment of the State of Palestine based on the pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, it said.
The Maldives confirmed its unwavering support for the Palestinian people in their pursuit of their inalienable rights, including an independent sovereign State of Palestine, based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.