President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has welcomed the Advisory Opinion rendered by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), in respect of the legal consequences arising from the policies and practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem.
In a message shared on social media, President Muizzu stated that by recognising the continued illegal presence of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territories as a violation of international humanitarian law, the Court attests to the aspirations of the Palestinian people embedded in their rightful pursuit of statehood and self-determination. He called on Israel to bring an immediate end to its unlawful settlement policies and make reparations for the damage incurred because of its exploitative and discriminative actions. He stated that the Maldives set renewed hope with this decree, for a sovereign and independent State of Palestine, in line with the pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The world's highest court said on July 19 that Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories and settlements there are illegal and should be withdrawn as soon as possible, in its strongest findings to date on the Israel-Palestinian conflict. The advisory opinion by judges at the International ICJ, was not binding but carries weight under international law and may weaken support for Israel.
The court said Israel's obligations include paying restitution for harm and the evacuation of all settlers from existing settlements. The opinion also found that the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and all states have an obligation not to recognise the occupation as legal nor render aid or assistance toward maintaining Israel's presence in the occupied territories.
The case stems from a 2022 request for a legal opinion from the UNGA, predating the war in Gaza that began in October 2023.