The Maldives has delivered a statement in defense of Palestine at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

The statement on behalf of the Maldives was delivered by Attorney General Ahmed Usham. The Maldivian government appeared before ICJ to present oral submissions in the advisory proceedings on the Obligations of Israel in relation to the Presence and Activities of the United Nations, Other International Organizations and Third States in and in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

While delivering the statement at the ICJ, Attorney General Usham said that the Maldives will continuously advocate for the rights of the Palestinian people.

Usham said that ensuring humanitarian assistance reaches the Palestinian people is of vital importance.

He also expressed grave alarm over Israel's measures to dismantle United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and assured that the government of Maldives will always support the efforts of the Palestinian people to obtain their human rights.

Legal representatives representing the Maldives Amy Sander and Dr Naomi Hart from Essex Court Chambers, members of the Bar of England and Wales also submitted statements at the hearing held on Thursday.

The statement said that Israel's use of national security and military necessity as reasons to evade responsibilities under international treaties is contrary to international law.

In addition to this, light was shed on the legal consequences of Israel's withdrawal from the Exchange of Letters signed between Israel and UNRWA in 1967.

At the hearing, the government of Maldives reiterated that the only sustainable solution to the issue between Palestine and Israel is the establishment of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Further, assurance was given at the hearing that the Maldives will remain steadfast in supporting the efforts of the Palestinian people to achieve this solution.

On 19 December 2024, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution in which it requested the ICJ to render an advisory opinion on the obligations of Israel in relation to the presence and activities of the United Nations, including its agencies and bodies, other international organizations, and third States in and in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory. States and international organizations were given an opportunity to take part in the public hearings of the proceedings and present oral submissions before the Court.

As part of these proceedings, Maldives submitted a written statement to the ICJ on 28 February 2025.

Maldives remains steadfast in their support to the Palestinian people in their pursuit of justice, including their right to an independent sovereign State of Palestine, based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.