Maldives has reaffirmed its commitment to continuously advocate for the rights of the Palestinian people during public hearings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Thursday.

Represented by Attorney General Ahmed Usham, Maldives addressed the ICJ during the advisory proceedings on the Obligations of Israel in relation to the Presence and Activities of the United Nations (UN), Other International Organisations and Third States in and in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The case follows a resolution adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 19, 2024, which requested an advisory opinion from the ICJ on the legal consequences of Israel's actions, including the restriction of humanitarian aid and the closure of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestine refugees in the Near East.

AG Usham underscored the Maldives' unwavering support for the Palestinian cause and called attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He criticised Israel's deliberate efforts to dismantle UNRWA and stressed the need to ensure the continuous delivery of humanitarian aid to affected populations under Israeli occupation.

He stated that the Government of Maldives would always stand with the Palestinian people in their legitimate struggle to secure their fundamental human rights.

International legal counsel representing the Maldives argued that Israel's invocation of national security and military necessity to justify non-compliance with international obligations violates established principles of international law. They also highlighted the implications of Israel's withdrawal from the 1967 Exchange of Letters with UNRWA.

The Maldives reiterated its position that the only viable and lasting solution is the establishment of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine, based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.