Maldives to intervene in ICJ case against Israel

The Government of Maldives has decided to intervene in the case filed against Israel by South Africa in the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Speaking at a press briefing on Sunday regarding cabinet decisions – the President’s Office’s Public Policy Secretary Abdulla Nazim said Sunday’s cabinet meeting saw discussions on the case filed by South Africa with ICJ.

He added that the cabinet has decided to intervene in the case and appoint Attorney General Ahmed Usham as the agent representing the Maldives.

On Friday, the ICJ delivered its interim judgment in the case, ordering Israel to take all measures within its power to prevent acts of genocide in Gaza.

Israel has also been ordered to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza and has been asked to report back to the court within a month, meaning February 26^th,  about how it is upholding the court’s orders.

The emergency measures were announced as the court begins its deliberations on South Africa’s genocide case against Israel, for which it heard evidence earlier this month. South Africa has described Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide; an allegation which Israel rejects, coining its activities in Gaza with “self-defense”. 

The court will then assess the report and additional information on Gaza’s on-ground realities. It could rule that Israel is not abiding by its orders and impose new ones.

They will then move forward with additional hearings and deliberations on the evidence presented to the court by South Africa supporting its accusations against Israel, and of Israel, in its defense.

The judges will separately assess South Africa’s key claims concerning genocide in Gaza, and the court’s eventual ruling will be determined by a majority.

Notably, ICJ itself does not have any mechanism to enforce its orders.

However, South Africa or other nations could go to the UN Security Council (UNSC), where member states would be asked to vote to require Israel to abide by the emergency measures ordered by the ICJ.