The Maldives has officially filed a declaration of intervention at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), citing Article 63 of the ICJ Statute, in the ongoing case concerning the “Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip” (South Africa vs. Israel).
In a statement posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, President Mohamed Muizzu stressed the importance of holding Israel accountable for what he described as “unlawful acts” in Gaza. He reiterated the Maldives’ position, stating that Israel must cease its actions in the region, which he characterised as “genocidal acts” against the Palestinian people.
“The Maldives will always side with humanity, peace, and justice, and in doing so, we will continue to stand with the Palestinian people. Palestine must be recognised and established based on the pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital,” Muizzu stated.
The case was initiated by South Africa at the ICJ in response to Israeli atrocities in Gaza, alleging that Israel’s actions violate the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, a treaty that both South Africa and Israel are signatories to. South Africa argues that Israel’s military actions in Gaza, particularly those targeting Palestinian civilians, constitute genocidal conduct under international law.
Under Article 63 of the ICJ Statute, any country that is a party to a treaty has the right to intervene in a case under consideration if it believes that the interpretation of the treaty could affect its legal rights or interests.
This intervention signals the Maldives’ continued diplomatic support for Palestine, a stance it has maintained for decades, in line with many other Islamic nations.
