The Hague Group of 9 emerges to liberate Palestine

Admin I Saturday, February 01, 2025

THE HAGUE, Netherlands – As Israel continues to act in defiance of international law and global thinking, thereby isolating itself, the Hague Group has emerged, comprising nine states to pressurize Israel to cave into global demand for a two state solution to the Palestinian issue.

The nine states – the Hague Group – formed at the Hague are Belize, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Honduras, Namibia, Senegal, South Africa and Malaysia.

The nine countries gathered in The Hague on Friday where they unveiled “co-ordinated legal, economic, and diplomatic measures” aimed at holding Israel accountable for its violations of international law, amid mounting threats against the International Criminal Court (ICC).

This initiative comes as both the ICC and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) face significant challenges to their authority in cases relating to conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine.

“The Hague Group is born of necessity,” said Varsha Gandikota-Nellutla, a coordinator with the political organisation Progressive International, ahead of Friday’s inauguration.

“In a world where powerful nations act with impunity, we must stand together to defend the principles of justice, equality, and human rights,” she added.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said: “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 had a duty to defend.”

These discussions build upon previous actions by these countries, including Belize and Bolivia’s decision to sever diplomatic ties with Israel.

In the group’s final declaration on Friday, the Hague Group members issued a joint statement to reiterate its calls to hold Israel to account amid accusations of alleged war crimes in Gaza.

The Hague Group also expressed its solidarity with Palestinians by backing the formation of a Palestinian state.

“We invite all states to take all possible actions and policies to end Israel’s occupation of the State of Palestine,” the statement added.

In January 2024, Chile referred the situation in Palestine to the ICC and recalled its ambassador from Israel.

Colombia has suspended weapons purchases from and coal exports to Israel, in addition to cutting diplomatic ties.

Honduras has consistently condemned Israel’s genocide against Palestinians, while Malaysia has imposed a maritime ban preventing Israel-affiliated vessels from docking at its ports. It has never had diplomatic relations with Israel.

‘The world cannot stand by and watch’