Maldives Urges Israel to Comply with ICJ Order

The ICJ judges ordered Israel to cease its operations in Rafah governorate, marking a significant emergency ruling in a case brought by South Africa, which accused Israel of committing genocide in its assault on the Gaza Strip.

The ICJ also mandated that Israel provide unimpeded access to the Gaza Strip for any commission of inquiry or fact-finding mission investigating the genocide allegations. However, the ICJ lacks the means to enforce its orders. In response, Israeli war cabinet minister Benny Gantz stated that Israel would continue its "just and necessary" war against the Hamas militant group to retrieve its hostages and ensure national security.

In a statement, the Maldives foreign ministry called on Israel to adhere to international human rights and humanitarian law, as well as the measures ordered by the ICJ. The ministry reiterated that a lasting solution for the Palestinian people involves establishing an independent and sovereign state with pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.