DaysofPal- On Friday evening, nine countries established a new coalition, “The Hague Group,” aimed at ending the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories and supporting the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and statehood.
According to a joint statement released by representatives from South Africa, Malaysia, Colombia, Bolivia, Cuba, Honduras, Namibia, Senegal, and Belize, the announcement was made during a conference in The Hague, Netherlands.
The founding members, described as part of the Global South, stated that the group’s efforts will be guided by the principles of the United Nations Charter, emphasizing the responsibility of states to uphold inalienable rights, particularly the right to self-determination.
The statement expressed concern over the loss of life, livelihoods, and cultural heritage in Gaza and other occupied Palestinian territories, attributing these losses to actions by Israel, the occupying power.
The group condemned what it described as “international crimes” and reaffirmed its commitment to ending the occupation and supporting the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
Six Key Commitments
The founding countries outlined several commitments in their statement, including:
1. Prevent the transfer of arms and military equipment to Israel if there is evidence such weapons could be used in violations of international humanitarian law, human rights, or acts of genocide.
2. Blocking ships carrying fuel or military equipment from docking in their ports if there is a clear risk these shipments could support Israeli military operations in violation of international law.
3. Supporting UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/ES-10/24, adopted on September 18, 2024, which declared the Israeli occupation illegal and called for its end within 12 months.
4. Backing the International Criminal Court (ICC) and its arrest warrants, including those issued on November 21, 2024, against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity during the conflict in Gaza from October 7, 2023, to January 19, 2025.
5. Upholding provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) since January 2024, aimed at preventing acts of genocide and improving the humanitarian situation in Gaza, which has been under blockade for 19 years and is home to approximately 2.3 million Palestinians.
6. Taking concrete steps to end the occupation and support Palestinian self-determination.
Call for International Support
The Hague Group urged other nations to join its efforts and adhere to the principles of international law, which it described as the foundation for peaceful coexistence and global cooperation. Observers noted that the formation of this coalition represents a significant and unprecedented initiative, as it is the first international alliance explicitly focused on holding Israel accountable for its actions in the occupied territories.
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