The Hague Group issues its maiden joint statement on Palestine

The Hague Group issues its maiden joint statement on Palestine

01/02/2025

Government representatives from Belize, Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, Honduras, Malaysia, Namibia, Senegal and South Africa gathered in The Hague, Netherlands, on Friday to officiate the establishment of The Hague Group. - Image X @PalMissionNL


THE HAGUE (Netherlands): Government representatives from Belize, Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, Honduras, Malaysia, Namibia, Senegal and South Africa gathered in The Hague, Netherlands, on Friday to officiate the establishment of The Hague Group.

Malaysia was represented by the Ambassador to the Netherlands, Datuk Roseli Abdul.

In a historic joint statement, the participating states reaffirmed their commitment to upholding international law and ensuring accountability for crimes allegedly committed in the occupied Palestinian Territory. The statement was read on behalf of The Hague Group by South Africa's representative, Zane Dangor in a joint press conference.

Guided by the goals and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations (UN), representatives of member states emphasized the collective responsibility to defend the absolute rights of all races, including the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination.

The statement also referenced several key legal instruments, including the International Court of Justice (ICJ) order in the case of southern Africa v. Israel on Dec 29, 2023, which reflected serious concerns over the possible crime of genocide in Palestine.

In addition, the statement referred to the ICJ's advisory opinion on July 19, 2024 on the legal implications of Israel's policies and actions in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, as well as the ICJ's 2004 decision on the legal impact of the construction of a wall in the territory.

The group also reminded of the arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Nov 21, 2024 against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, which showed "reasonable grounds" that they were responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The statement also referred to the ICJ's decision on April 30, 2024 in the case of Nicaragua v. Germany, which affirmed the obligations of all states under international law on the transfer of arms to warring parties.

As part of its commitment, representatives of member states pledged to "uphold UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/ES-10/24, support ICC proceedings related to arrest warrants issued on Nov 21, 2024, and implement ICJ interim measures issued on Jan 26, March 28 and May 24, 2024."

The group also pledged to "prevent the provision or transfer of weapons, ammunition and related equipment to Israel under all circumstances that demonstrate a clear risk that the relevant weapons may be used in violation of humanitarian law, international human rights or the prohibition on genocide."

In addition, the group vowed to prevent the ship from docking at any port within its jurisdiction, should there be a clear risk that the ship is being used to bring military fuel and weaponry into Israel, which may be used or facilitate violations of humanitarian law, international human rights and the prohibition on genocide in Palestine.

The Hague Group stressed the importance of united global action.

"We will take further effective steps to end the Israeli occupation of the State of Palestine and remove obstacles to the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, including their right towards the establishment of an independent state.

"We urge all countries to take all possible actions and policies to end the Israeli occupation of the State of Palestine.

"We call on all countries to join The Hague Group with a firm commitment to an international system based on the rule of law and international law, which, together with the principle of justice, is fundamental to peace and cooperation between nations," the statement said.