Maldives backs S.Africa's move for new measures against Israel

Maldives on Monday announced its decision to back urgent request made by South Africa at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for emergency measures against Israel over its latest offensive against the Gaza city of Rafah.

It is the third time since making a first application in December that South Africa has requested extra action against Israel over the Gaza war.

President's Office in a statement said the Maldives extends its full support to the urgent request made by South Africa on Friday, for the modification and indication of further provisional measures by the Court concerning the current situation in Rafah.

"The Government of Maldives is resolute in guaranteeing a lasting solution to the long suffering endured by the Palestinian people by any means necessary," the statement said.

Maldives has already declared its intention to intervene in the case filed by South Africa against Israel at the ICJ, on the premise that Israel is in violation of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.

The statement said the Maldives strongly condemns the ongoing attacks on Rafah by Israel, which have led to an exacerbation of the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

"The continuation of military aggression by Israeli occupying forces against innocent Palestinian civilians is a rampant breach of international human rights and humanitarian law."

Government said the demands made by Israel for the immediate evacuation of thousands of Palestinian civilians seeking refuge in Eastern Rafah are a testament to Israel’s failure to adhere to the provisional measures ordered by the ICJ.