President Mohamed Muizzu has welcomed an advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) condemning Israel’s continued occupation of the Palestinian Territories, including East Jerusalem.

In a post to X (formerly Twitter), President Muizzu welcomed the ruling and noted its significance for the Palestinian people’s pursuit of statehood and self-determination.

The ICJ’s opinion issued Friday underscores the violation of international humanitarian law by Israel’s unlawful settlement policies. President Muizzu called for an immediate end to these practices and reparations for the damage caused.

With this ruling, the Maldives reiterated the global call for a sovereign and independent State of Palestine, based on pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, President Muizzu said.

Nawaf Salam, ICJ President, delivered the advisory opinion, highlighting Israel’s violations, including settlement expansion, resource exploitation, and discriminatory policies against Palestinians.

The court unequivocally declared that Israel lacks sovereignty over the Palestinian territories, violates international laws against forceful acquisitio,n and impedes Palestinians’ right to self-determination.

The United Nations General Assembly sought the ICJ’s opinion in 2022, reaffirming the court’s role as the highest UN body for resolving state disputes.