The Hague Group, consisting of nine nations such as Senegal, South Africa, Malaysia, Namibia, and Colombia, seeks to hold Israel accountable for its actions in Gaza.
Delegations from nine countries convened in The Hague on Friday to present “co-ordinated legal, economic, and diplomatic measures” designed to hold Israel accountable for its breaches of international law, in the face of increasing threats against the International Criminal Court (ICC).
In reaction to the pressure exerted by the US Congress, which has aimed to impose sanctions on the ICC, nine nations—Belize, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Honduras, Namibia, Senegal, South Africa, and Malaysia—are establishing a coalition referred to as The Hague Group to uphold the legitimacy of international legal institutions and their decisions.
This initiative arises as both the ICC and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) encounter considerable challenges to their authority in matters concerning the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine.
“The Hague Group emerged from a pressing need,” stated Varsha Gandikota-Nellutla, a coordinator with the political organisation Progressive International, prior to Friday’s inauguration.
“In a world where powerful nations operate without restraint, we must unite to uphold the values of justice, equality, and human rights,” she added.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated: “Israel’s violations extend beyond the mass murder and persecution of Palestinians.” They attack the core principles of international law, which the global community is obligated to uphold.
The Hague Group nations gathered in the Netherlands, the location of the ICC, where representatives from various states engaged in discussions about collective action at both national and international levels, emphasising support for international law and Palestinian rights amid the ongoing crisis.
These discussions extend from earlier actions taken by these nations, such as Belize and Bolivia’s choice to cut diplomatic relations with Israel.
On Friday, the Hague Group members released a joint statement in their final declaration, emphasising their calls for accountability regarding Israel in light of accusations of alleged war crimes in Gaza.
The Hague Group demonstrated its support for Palestinians by endorsing the establishment of a Palestinian state.
“All states are encouraged to implement every possible action and policy to bring an end to Israel’s occupation of the State of Palestine,” the statement continued.
In January 2024, Chile referred the situation in Palestine to the ICC and recalled its ambassador from Israel.
Colombia has halted weapons purchases from Israel and coal exports to the country, while also severing diplomatic relations.
Honduras has repeatedly denounced Israel’s actions against Palestinians, while Malaysia has enacted a maritime ban that prohibits Israel-affiliated vessels from entering its ports. It has always lacked diplomatic relations with Israel.
‘The world must not remain passive and observe’
Namibia has strengthened these initiatives by preventing a vessel from delivering military shipments destined for Israel and denouncing Germany’s choice to back Israel in South Africa’s genocide case at the ICJ, highlighting similarities to Berlin’s own Herero genocide in Namibia, which occurred between 1904 and 1908.
Senegal, led by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, has committed to implementing “more concrete actions” in support of Palestinian rights.
South Africa established a significant legal precedent by filing a case against Israel at the ICJ for breaches of the Genocide Convention.
Our actions are not meant to punish. “They are preventative, designed to ensure compliance with international law and to protect the vulnerable,” stated Ronald Lamola, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, in a joint statement.
The establishment of The Hague Group signifies a pivotal moment in the worldwide reaction to exceptionalism and the wider decline of international law. It conveys a definitive message: no nation is beyond the law, and no crime will remain unaddressed.
The group seeks to enhance South Africa’s case against Israel at the ICJ.
“The world must not remain passive, as we pledged over 75 years ago that we would never again allow such atrocities to occur,” stated Namibia’s Justice Minister, Yvonne Dausab.
It is essential that we remain unwavering in our commitment to protect lives, irrespective of the identities of the victims. Every life is important. Palestinian lives hold significance.
The actions proposed by the group highlight the increasing discontent in the Global South concerning what is viewed as inconsistent application of international law by Western nations.
Sinn Féin backing
Declan Kearney, the National Chairperson of Sinn Féin from Ireland, also made the journey to The Hague to lend his support to the nine-nation bloc.
“‘The Hague Group’ represents a pivotal development in fostering unified international state efforts to combat genocide, occupation, apartheid, and ethnic cleansing directed at the Palestinian people,” Kearney stated ahead of his visit on Friday.
“The establishment of ‘The Hague Group’ represents a highly important advancement.” This initiative seeks to enhance international pressure for sanctions and an arms embargo against Israel until the genocide ceases, Palestinian national sovereignty and self-determination are achieved, and an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital is established.
‘Restricted’ global engagement
Switzerland has been assigned the responsibility of organising a conference in March for the 196 signatories of the Geneva Convention, concentrating on the duty to maintain international humanitarian law in the occupied Palestinian territories.
A conference is set for June in New York to address a two-state solution.
The ICJ has also been requested by the UN General Assembly to deliver an urgent advisory opinion concerning Israel’s responsibilities as the occupying power, especially in relation to humanitarian relief efforts.
Critics contend that these countermeasures are insufficient, asserting that Israel consistently ignores rulings from the ICJ and ICC.
During the administration of former President Joe Biden, the United States provided extensive military and diplomatic backing to Israel, even as it resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza, indicating a perceived disregard for international law.
The new Trump administration has indicated a stronger pro-Israel stance than its predecessor, removing sanctions on Israeli settlers and endorsing the transfer of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has expressed support for a bill that is presently under consideration in Congress, which aims to impose sanctions on any individual or entity involved with an ICC investigation concerning an American or a US ally. The suggested measures would also encompass family members of the individuals targeted.
Editor’s note: This article was revised on Friday, January 31, 2025, to reflect the most recent updates regarding the launch of the Hague Group.
