Nine countries, including Malaysia, have officially formed "The Hague Group" to coordinate legal, diplomatic and economic action against Israel's violations of international law.
Announced on Friday (Jan 31) following a meeting in The Hague initiated by Progressive International, this initiative was established in response to the urgent need to defend Palestinian rights.
South Africa, Malaysia, Namibia, Colombia, Bolivia, Chile, Senegal, Honduras, and Belize have joined the coalition, reaffirming their stance against remaining passive in the face of international crimes. They mourn the impact of genocide in Gaza and other Palestinian territories, including the loss of lives, communities, and cultural heritage.
The group has reiterated its commitment to ending Israel’s occupation of Palestine and supporting the Palestinian people's right to self-determination, including the establishment of an independent state.
Blocking Military Aid to Israel
The Hague Group has also reaffirmed its commitment to preventing the transfer of weapons, ammunition, and military equipment to Israel, particularly when there is a clear risk of their use in violations of humanitarian law, human rights, or acts of genocide.
Additionally, the group seeks to prohibit ships carrying fuel and military supplies from docking within their jurisdictions if they are found to contribute to Israel’s aggression.
Furthermore, the coalition has pledged to uphold UN Resolution A/RES/ES-10/24 and support the International Criminal Court (ICC) in enforcing the Rome Statute, including executing arrest warrants for Israeli officials. They have also committed to implementing the provisional measures issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Hamas Welcomes Hague Group Formation
Hamas has welcomed the formation of The Hague Group as a strategic step toward ending Israel’s occupation, calling it an important initiative at the international level. According to Hamas, the Zionist occupation system can only be dismantled if the costs increase and Israel faces global isolation, similar to the apartheid regime in South Africa.
The group has also urged more countries to join the coalition in defense of humanity, which they claim has been neglected due to Israel’s aggression. Additionally, Hamas emphasized the importance of restoring the credibility of international humanitarian law and human rights, which they argue have been violated by Tel Aviv in Gaza and the West Bank.
As part of its call for justice, Hamas asserted that Israeli leaders should be held accountable in international courts, just as Nazi and fascist leaders were in the past.
ICJ Warns Third Parties on Genocide
In December 2023, South Africa filed a lawsuit against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing it of violating the Genocide Convention against Palestinians in Gaza. Several countries have supported the case, including Nicaragua, Colombia, Cuba, Libya, Mexico, Palestine, Spain, and Turkey.
Throughout 2024, the ICJ issued three binding provisional measures in the case. These orders required Israel to cease actions that violate the Genocide Convention and to ensure its forces do not commit violations.
The first order, issued on January 26, 2024, stated that there were plausible indications of genocide committed by Israel. As an emergency measure, the ICJ instructed Israel to take preventive actions against potential genocide against Palestinians.
Subsequently, on March 28 and May 24, the ICJ issued additional orders demanding an end to attacks on Rafah and ensuring the unimpeded distribution of humanitarian aid. The court also emphasized that UN investigators must be allowed access to Gaza to investigate allegations of genocide.
Furthermore, the ICJ reminded that under international law, third-party states have a duty to prevent and punish genocide, including ensuring that their exports and aid do not contribute to such violations. In another ruling on April 30, 2024, the ICJ reaffirmed that states must ensure their arms exports are not used for actions that contravene genocide laws and international humanitarian law.
