The discussions will build on actions already taken by these nations, including Belize and Bolivia’s severance of diplomatic ties with Israel, as well as Chile’s referral of the situation in Palestine to the ICC in January 2024 and its recall of its ambassador to Israel.
Colombia has suspended weapons purchases from and coal exports to Israel and has also severed diplomatic ties.
Meanwhile, Honduras has consistently condemned the genocide against the Palestinian people, and Malaysia has imposed a maritime ban preventing Israel-affiliated vessels from docking at its ports while maintaining no diplomatic relations with Israel.
Further reinforcing these efforts, Namibia has blocked a vessel carrying military shipments destined for Israel and condemned Germany’s decision to support Israel in the genocide case brought by South Africa, recalling Germany’s own history of genocide in Namibia between 1904 and 1908.
Senegal, under Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, has committed to taking “more concrete actions” in support of Palestinian rights.
South Africa has taken a landmark step by bringing a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for breaches of the Genocide Convention, setting a significant precedent in international law.
“Our actions are not punitive – they are preventative, designed to ensure compliance with international law and protect the vulnerable,” explained South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, in the joint statement.
“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.”
Nine nations, including Malaysia to meet in The Hague over Israel’s violations of International Law, MalayMail, Jan 31, 2025
Nine nations are set to meet today, January 31, 2025, in The Hague, Netherlands, launching The Hague Group with the goal of holding Israel accountable for its alleged violations of international law in the Gaza Strip. The nations aim to announce coordinated legal, economic, and diplomatic measures as part of their commitment to uphold Palestinian rights.
The historic meeting, convened by the Progressive International, will bring together representatives from Belize, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Honduras, Malaysia, Namibia, Senegal, and South Africa. Varsha Gandikota-Nellutla, co-general co-ordinator of the Progressive International, highlighted the need for collective action, stating, “The Hague Group is born of necessity. We must stand together to defend the principles of justice, equality, and human rights.”
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reinforced the group’s mission by pointing out the gravity of Israel’s actions, claiming, “Israel’s violations go beyond the mass murder and persecution of Palestinians; they strike at the very foundations of international law, which the global community has a duty to defend.”
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By addressing these challenges, The Hague Group intends to disrupt the systems allowing for human rights violations and hold perpetrators accountable. The outcomes of today’s meeting could set the stage for significant changes to how the international community collectively responds to Israel’s actions, and the prevailing discourse surrounding Palestinian rights.
Today marks not just another diplomatic meeting but potentially the dawn of progressively stringent measures against the violations of international law by state actors like Israel. The group hopes to deliver not only declarations but actions ensuring accountability and justice.
Nations Launch Legal Action Against Israel at the Hague by The Pinnacle Gazette, Jan 31, 2025
Context of the Gaza Strip
The Gaza Strip has been a focal point of international criticism due to the humanitarian crisis exacerbated by Israel’s blockade and repeated military operations. Key issues include:
- Humanitarian Crisis: Severe shortages of food, water, medicine, and electricity, with widespread poverty and unemployment.
- Civilian Casualties: High numbers of civilian deaths and injuries during Israeli military operations, particularly following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks.
- Destruction of Infrastructure: Extensive damage to homes, hospitals, schools, and other critical infrastructure during conflicts.
The Hague Group is born of necessity. We must stand together to defend the principles of justice, equality, and human rights.
Co-General Coordinator of the Progressive International, Varsha Gandikota-Nellutla
Today, nine nations convene in The Hague to discuss their shared commitment to upholding international law, responding to threats against the International Criminal Court and defending Palestinian rights. Following the meeting, nations are set to form The Hague Group and announce coordinated legal, economic, and diplomatic measures to hold Israel accountable for its violations of international law, including its ongoing actions in Gaza. Convened by the Progressive International, the meeting between state representatives of Belize, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Honduras, Malaysia, Namibia, Senegal and South Africa will explore collective action at both national and international levels to support Palestinian rights.
Questions from Palestinian Children in Gaza
Palestinian children in Gaza are asking questions no child should have to ask.
Our latest series, created in collaboration with the #NoChildATarget campaign, features Palestinian children’s questions documented by staff at the Palestine Trauma Center-UK’s clinic in Gaza. The campaign, spearheaded by the Palestine-Global Mental Health Network in collaboration with international counterparts, also calls on governments to stop supplying Israel with weapons and advocates for immediate protection, humanitarian aid, and trauma-informed care for Palestinian children.
Sign the petition today:change.org/p/nochildatarget
Email campaign: doctorsagainstgenocide.org/no-child-a-target
unflinching 