Bogotá : In an unprecedented show of international solidarity, a coalition of 30 countries from Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas convened in Bogotá, Colombia, to announce coordinated actions aimed at halting what they describe as an ongoing genocide in Gaza. The conference marks a pivotal moment in the global response to Israel’s military aggression in Palestinian territories, reported the Al Jazeera.
The Emergency Conference of The Hague Group, co-chaired by Colombia and South Africa, concluded with 12 nations pledging a series of legal, economic, and diplomatic measures. The participating countries include Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, Indonesia, Iraq, Libya, Malaysia, Namibia, Nicaragua, Oman, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and South Africa.
Among the adopted measures are:
A total arms embargo on Israel, halting the supply of weapons, ammunition, and military-related materials.
Restrictions on maritime transit, including the de-flagging of vessels suspected of carrying arms to Israel.
A thorough review of public contracts to prevent state funding from supporting Israeli occupation.
Support for international prosecutions related to war crimes and human rights violations.
Varsha Gandikota-Nellutla, Executive Secretary of The Hague Group, described the outcome as a “turning point — not just for Palestine, but for the future of the international system.” She emphasized that for decades, countries in the Global South have endured the consequences of a broken system and have now united for justice through decisive action.
The measures are in line with UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/ES-10/24, passed in September 2024, which called on member states to take action within one year against Israel’s breaches of international law.
South African Minister of International Relations Ronald Lamola stated, “This is a collective affirmation that no state is above the law. The measures adopted in Bogotá prove that coordinated state action is possible and necessary.”
Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories, welcomed the decisions as a “momentous step forward” and encouraged other nations to join the initiative before the UN General Assembly reconvenes in September 2025.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro declared, “We came to Bogotá to make history — and we did. We will no longer accept a world where international law is optional or where Palestinian lives are expendable.”
As consultations continue, more nations are expected to announce their support before the UN General Assembly meets in New York on September 20.
