NINE nations are set to meet in The Hague on Friday to announce “co-ordinated legal, economic, and diplomatic measures” to hold Israel accountable for its violations of international law.
The nations – which are set to form The Hague Group – are convening in the Netherlands to discuss their shared commitment to defending Palestinian rights and responding to threats against the International Criminal Court.
State representatives from Belize, Bolivia, Cuba, Colombia, Honduras, Malaysia, Namibia, Senegal and South Africa are attending the event convened by Progressive International to explore collective action at both national and international levels to support international law and Palestinian rights.
“The Hague Group is born of necessity,” said Varsha Gandikota-Nellutla, co-general co-ordinator of the Progressive International.
“In a world where powerful nations act with impunity, we must stand together to defend the principles of justice, equality, and human rights.”
“Israel’s violations go beyond the mass murder and persecution of Palestinians,” added Anwar Ibrahim (above), Prime Minister of Malaysia.
“They strike at the very foundations of international law, which the global community has a duty to defend.”
The National will providing coverage from the event as it unfolds.
The nations will be looking to build on South Africa’s landmark case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), with the Hague Group aiming to disrupt the systems that enable violations of international law and hold violators accountable.
Several other nations have also sought to cut ties with Israel, with Colombia suspending weapons purchases from and coal exports to Israel and severing diplomatic links.
Belize and Bolivia have also both cut diplomatic ties with the nation amid the atrocities in Gaza.
Malaysia has implemented a maritime ban on Israel-affiliated vessels, preventing them from docking at any Malaysian port, while also maintaining no diplomatic ties with Israel.
Namibia blockaded a vessel carrying military shipments destined for Israel and condemned Germany's decision to support Israel in the genocide case brought by South Africa.
Senegal has made a commitment under Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko to take more "concrete actions" in support of Palestinian rights.
The Hague, known as the City of Peace and Justice, is a symbolic location for the historic meeting.
Home to the Peace Palace, the ICJ, and the International Criminal Court, it represents the global community’s aspirations for a world governed by law, not force.
“Our actions are not punitive – they are preventative, designed to ensure compliance with international law and protect the vulnerable,” explained Ronald Lamola, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation.
“The Hague Group’s formation marks a turning point in the global response to exceptionalism and the broader erosion of international law. It sends a clear message: no nation is above the law, and no crime will go unanswered.”
“The world cannot standby and watch, when we made a commitment more than 75 years ago, that never again shall the world suffer atrocities,” implored Yvonne Dausab, Namibia’s Minister of Justice.
“We can not be and must not be selective about protecting lives regardless of who the victims are, all lives matter, Palestinian lives matter".
