Attorney General Ahmed Usham, on behalf of the Maldivian government today, presented oral submissions at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against Israel.

The statement was delivered in the advisory proceedings on the Obligations of Israel in relation to the Presence and Activities of the United Nations, Other International Organisations and Third States in and in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory, as required by the resolution adopted by the United Nations' General Assembly on December 19, 2024.

Speaking at the ICJ, Usham highlighted Maldives’ longstanding advocacy for the people of Palestine, and the need to ensure the unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. He also expressed alarm at Israel’s deliberate steps to dismantle United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and reiterated the Government’s unwavering support for the Palestinian people in their pursuit of their inalienable rights.

Maldives was also represented by international lawyers, Amy Sander and Dr Naomi Hart from Essex Court Chambers, members of the Bar of England and Wales.

According to the Attorney General's Office, "the lawyers focused their statements on responding to Israel’s misplaced reliance on security concerns and military necessity in an attempt to evade its international legal obligations, and the legal consequences of Israel’s purported withdrawal from the agreement set out in the 1967 Exchange of Letters between Israel and UNRWA."

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

"Maldives will continue to support 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," the Attorney General's Office said.