Maldives has officially submitted a Declaration of Intervention regarding the ongoing Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip, a case initiated by South Africa against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The Declaration was filed yesterday by Attorney General Ahmed Usham on behalf of the Maldives.
The case, originally presented by South Africa on December 29, 2023, accuses Israel of committing acts against the Palestinian population in Gaza that violate the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, also known as the Genocide Convention.
Press Release: Maldives files Declaration of Intervention in the case of South Africa v. Israel at the International Court of Justice
— AG Office Maldives (@AGOmv) October 1, 2024
Link: https://t.co/EogIXJmy51 pic.twitter.com/3DLyvyA1Ud
The Attorney General's Office stated that the Maldives' intervention focuses on the interpretation of several key provisions within the Genocide Convention, specifically concerning the incitement to commit genocide and the responsibilities to punish such incitement as outlined in Articles I, III, IV, and VI. Furthermore, the Maldives seeks to clarify the application of Articles II and IX of the Convention.
While the intervention is narrowly focused on the legal construction of these provisions, the Maldives has continued to vocalize its condemnation of Israel’s actions in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, asserting that these actions amount to genocide and apartheid. The Office has called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and reiterated its support for the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, advocating for the establishment of a sovereign State of Palestine based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Historically, the Maldives has been a staunch supporter of the Palestinian cause. Most recently, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, in his address at the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, characterized Israel's actions in Gaza as a massacre and genocide, urging for accountability for what he described as acts of terrorism and violations of international law.
The situation remains dire, with ongoing military operations from Israel following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,000 Israelis and the taking of 250 hostages. Since then, Israeli military actions have reportedly led to the deaths of over 41,000 Palestinians, a conflict that many argue is part of a historical pattern of genocide and ethnic cleansing dating back to the 1948 Nakba.
Despite the ICJ's previous issuance of six provisional measures against Israel, including an order to cease genocidal actions in Gaza, there are increasing concerns that Israel is expanding its military operations, now reaching into Lebanon as well.
