Maldives intervenes in Israeli genocide case at ICJ
The case, brought forward by South Africa in December 2023, accuses Israel of committing acts of genocide.
Maldives on Tuesday officially filed a declaration of intervention at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the ongoing case of South Africa v. Israel, concerning allegations of genocide in Gaza.
The intervention was submitted by Attorney General Ahmed Usham, representing the Maldives, in accordance with Article 63(2) of the ICJ Statute.
The case, brought forward by South Africa in December 2023, accuses Israel of committing acts of genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza, in violation of the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (Genocide Convention).
In its intervention, the Maldives focuses on the interpretation of key provisions of the Genocide Convention, particularly those related to the incitement to commit genocide and the duty to punish such incitement, as outlined in Articles I, III, IV, and VI of the convention.
The intervention also addresses the interpretation of Articles II and IX, which define the crime of genocide and establish the jurisdiction of the ICJ over disputes arising under the Convention.
While limiting its ICJ intervention to the legal interpretation of the Genocide Convention, the Maldives reiterated its broader condemnation of Israel’s actions in Gaza.
The Attorney General's Office emphasised that the Maldivian government continues to denounce Israel's "multiple, serious violations of international law" in Gaza, describing them as constituting "genocide and apartheid."
The statement by the Attorney General’s Office also cited President Mohamed Muizzu’s recent remarks at the United Nations General Assembly, where he condemned Israel's actions in Gaza, referring to them as a "genocide" and calling for accountability.
The president said, "… the ongoing massacre – the genocide – by Israel in Gaza is a travesty of justice and the international system… Israel must be held accountable for these acts of terrorism, for these violations of international law and UN resolutions."
The Maldives reiterated its call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, urging Israel to end what it described as its "genocidal war" against the Palestinian people.
Maldives reaffirmed its unwavering support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, advocating for the establishment of a sovereign and independent Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
