Maldives welcomes resolution seeking ICJ advisory opinion on Israel’s aid obligations to Palestinians

The Maldivian government has issued a statement welcoming the United Nations General Assembly’s adoption of a resolution seeking an advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Israel’s humanitarian aid obligations to Palestinians.

The resolution passed on Thursday highlights the dire humanitarian situation in Palestine, and demanded Israel comply with its legal duties under international law, as previously outlined by the ICJ.

Submitted by Norway, and co-sponsored by at least 22 states including the Maldives, the resolution was backed by 137 countries, with 12 voting against and 22 abstaining.

In a statement on Sunday, the Maldivian Foreign Ministry said the Maldivian government welcomes the adoption of the resolution.

“The Maldives believes that this is a crucial step forward to uphold the work and mission of the United Nations, humanitarian organizations and of third States to protect and preserve the humanitarian operations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory,” said the Foreign Ministry.

The Maldives expressed appreciation for the overwhelming support for the resolution, and said it regards the support as a testament to the commitment to realize a sovereign and independent Palestinian State based on the pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The resolution demands that Israel cease actions impeding the delivery of basic services and humanitarian aid to Palestinians, particularly in Gaza, and to respect the rights of international organizations operating in the region.

Noting the importance of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) in providing vital assistance to Palestinians, it urged full implementation of the agency’s recommendations to ensure neutrality and effectiveness in its work.

The resolution further reiterated the call for the realization of Palestine’s right to self-determination, urging all parties to uphold their obligations under international law.

It also called "upon Israel to uphold and comply with its obligations not to impede the Palestinian people from exercising its right to self-determination."

Warning against any "actions that could weaken the critical role of the United Nations in conflict resolution," it urged "support initiatives that contribute to a just, lasting and comprehensive settlement of the question of Palestine."

It requested on "a priority basis and with the utmost urgency" the ICJ to provide an advisory opinion to address Israel's legal obligations in the region.

Israel’s current war on Gaza, which began on October 7, 2023, has killed more than 45,200 Palestinians, many of them women and children. It has also reduced much of the Palestinian territory to rubble, displaced the vast majority of residents, and resulted in widespread malnutrition.