Bogota (TDI): Dozens of nations are meeting in Colombia for the first-ever ministerial summit of the Hague Group, on joint action aimed at ending the occupation of Palestine as per the United Nations General Assembly’s declaration.
The Summit, hosted by Colombia, brings together more than 30 countries, along with UN officials and legal experts, to support the International Court’s rulings on Palestine and push forward for its implementation.
UN special rapporteur, Francesca Albanese, who was recently put under sanctions by the United States for her support of Palestine, has regarded this meeting as a significant step at an ‘existential time’ in Palestine’s history.Â
What is the Hague Group
The Hague Group came to be in January this year, first by eight countries: Colombia, South Africa, Cuba, Bolivia, Namibia, Malaysia, Honduras, and Senegal. These countries came together for upholding international law and responding to the war crimes in Palestine.
The core goals of the group are to help enforce the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice’s decisions to block weapons transfer to Israel and stop ships from carrying arms and fuel that may be used against Palestine.
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Since its formation, the group has gained support from other states too, including Brazil, Mexico, Ireland, Qatar, Spain, and Pakistan.
The summit in Bogota marks a significant shift from mere statements to action. Member countries are now pushing for concrete steps, such as legal cooperation and trade restrictions.
The efficacy of the summit aside, the meeting itself shows that international pressure against the occupation is growing and that a coalition of states is ready to challenge the status quo.
