The government of Maldives has strongly condemned the ongoing inhumane attacks on Rafah by Israel which have led to an aggravation of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

In a statement publicized on Monday, the government of Maldives has asserted that the continuation of military aggression by Israeli occupying forces against innocent Palestinian civilians is a rampant breach of international human rights and humanitarian law.

Further, the government noted that Israel’s demands for the immediate evacuation of thousands of Palestinian civilians seeking refuge in Eastern Rafah, mirror Israel’s failure to adhere to the provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the case “Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip (South Africa v. Israel)”.

Stressing that these genocidal acts perpetrated by Israeli occupying forces under the guise of security concerns have resulted in mass displacement, the government highlighted that it has also led to acute starvation and blockage of humanitarian aid.

Maldives has announced its decision 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.

As such, Maldives has extended its full support to the urgent request made by South Africa on 10 May 2024, for the modification and indication of further provisional measures by ICJ, regarding the current situation in Rafah.

The Maldivian government remains unwavering in the efforts to ensure a lasting solution to the long suffering endured by the innocent civilians of Palestinian, by “any” means necessary.

The statement goes on to read that Maldives stands in strong solidarity with the people of Palestine in their pursuit of the inherent right to self-determination.

The island nation is also firm in its commitment to call for the establishment of a sovereign and independent State of Palestine, with East Jerusalem as its capital, as per the pre-1967 borders.