THE HAGUE (Oct. 2, 2024) — The Maldives has filed a formal declaration of intervention in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) proceedings concerning the application of the Genocide Convention in Gaza, as part of the case initiated by South Africa against Israel. The declaration, submitted on October 1, invokes Article 63 of the ICJ Statute, which allows states party to a convention to intervene in cases where the interpretation of that convention is in question.
In its filing, the Maldives emphasized its focus on the correct interpretation of key provisions of the Genocide Convention, particularly those related to the incitement and punishment of genocide, as outlined in Articles I, III, IV, VI, II, and IX.
“The Maldives relies on its status as a party to the Genocide Convention to ensure proper interpretation of these critical provisions,” the ICJ statement said.
The Maldives joins a growing list of states intervening in this high-profile case, which was initiated by South Africa in December 2023. The case alleges that Israel has violated its obligations under the Genocide Convention in relation to its treatment of Palestinians in Gaza.
Both South Africa and Israel have been invited to submit written observations on the Maldives’ declaration.
South Africa’s initial application also included requests for provisional measures to prevent further harm to Palestinians. The ICJ has since issued several orders, including the indication of additional provisional measures, most recently in May 2024, reaffirming protections for Palestinian rights under the Genocide Convention.
To date, other states such as Libya, Türkiye, Chile, and Spain have also filed declarations of intervention in the case.
