Maldives voiced strong support for the Palestinian cause during the proceedings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), as part of the advisory opinion on Israel’s obligations regarding the presence and activities of the United Nations and other international actors in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

Attorney General Ahmed Usham represented the Maldives at the ICJ today, delivering a statement that underscored the country’s unwavering commitment to advocating for Palestinian rights. 

He expressed grave concern over Israel’s alleged attempts to dismantle the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), calling such actions a violation of international law.

The case, brought before the ICJ following a resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 19, 2024, seeks the Court’s advisory opinion on Israel's legal obligations in relation to the activities of UN agencies, other international organizations, and third-party states operating within or concerning the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

Attorney General Usham highlighted the urgent need to ensure continued humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people, emphasizing the vital role of UNRWA and other aid efforts on the ground. 

He criticized Israel’s justification of “national security and military necessity” to obstruct the agency’s operations, referencing the 1967 Exchange of Letters between Israel and UNRWA.

International legal representatives speaking on behalf of Palestine at the hearing emphasized that these justifications fall short under international law, and underscored the legal implications of Israel’s withdrawal from cooperative frameworks with UN agencies.

Maldives advocated for a two-state solution as the only viable resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, calling for the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Maldives assured the international community that it would continue to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people and support all efforts aimed at achieving peace and justice in the region.