Malta ‘Following’ ICJ Genocide… But Yet To Take Public Position On It
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the Hague is currently hearing a case that holds a lot of international weight, and Malta doesn’t seem to have a strong position on the ongoing suit.
However, it does admit to being “extremely concerned about events on the ground in Gaza”.
South Africa is accusing Israel of violating the 1948 Genocide Convention due it its destructive military campaign in Gaza that has claimed the lives of tens of thousands of civilians.
Some state leaders have given an official position on the case, either stating that they support it and others arguing that it is inherently “wrong”.
States have also made submissions to the case of their own in favour of one side or the other.
For instance, Malaysia pledged its support for South Africa, while Germany continues to stand behind Israel.
Within its petition, South Africa requested that Israel immediately suspend its military operations in and against measures, and before the court comes to a final decision about the case, it will deliberate the requested measure.
That is what is currently happening and this decision is expected to come out pretty soon.
Malta has not clarified whether it supports South Africa’s legal action or not, which is unsurprising considering its neutral position in international affairs, affinity with the West, and historically pro-Palestine population.
Speaking to Lovin Malta, Foreign Minister Ian Borg’s spokesperson stated that “we are following with attention the ICJ’s deliberations on allegations brought forward against Israel”.
“Malta’s efforts will always remain fixed on ensuring unimpeded access and safe passage to desperately needed humanitarian supplies to Gaza, bringing about the cessation of hostilities while promoting a political horizon, and encouraging restraint to avoid a possible spillover of the war regionally.”
He went on to state that “we continue to condemn the actions by Hamas on 7th October last year and advocate for the release of all hostages” yet admitted sincere concern for the destruction of Gaza.
“Israel’s response to 7th October has resulted in the forced evacuation of Palestinian civilians from their homes, violence against Palestinian civilians in Gaza and the West Bank, a lack of safe, predictable and adequate access to water, food and medical assistance, unimpeded access to humanitarian relief, along with the ongoing mass destruction of civilian and humanitarian infrastructure – all of which are simply unacceptable.”
“It was for this reason that Malta has consistently condemned actions that are inconsistent with humanitarian law by all parties, both as a member of the European Union and through our elected seat on the United Nations Security Council.”
“The continued deterioration of the situation in Gaza led us to push for the adoption of UNSC Resolution 2712, which called for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses and corridors through the Gaza Strip to facilitate the provision of essential goods and services and focused on the plight of children trapped and of those being held hostage.”
“We also supported Resolution 2720, which called on all parties to ‘allow, facilitate, and enable’ the immediate, safe, and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance at scale directly to the Palestinian civilian population throughout the Gaza Strip.”
What do you make of the Ministry’s cautious approach?
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