The Hague Group Issues Inaugural Joint Statement On Palestine

THE HAGUE (Netherlands), Jan 31 (Bernama) -- Representatives from the Governments of Belize, Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, Honduras, Malaysia, Namibia, Senegal, and South Africa convened today in The Hague, Netherlands, to formally inaugurate The Hague Group.

Malaysia was represented by its 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 alleged crimes committed in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

It was read on behalf of The Hague Group by a representative from South Africa, Zane Dangor, before a joint press conference.

Guided by the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, and the responsibility of all nations to uphold the inalienable rights, including the right to self-determination, that it enshrines for all peoples, the representatives stressed their collective responsibility to uphold the inalienable rights of all peoples, including the Palestinian right to self-determination.

The statement cited several key legal instruments, including the orders of the International Court of Justice in South Africa v. Israel on Dec 29, 2023, which reflected serious concern about the perpetration of crimes of genocide in Palestine.

Additionally, reference was made to the ICJ Advisory Opinion of July 19, 2024, regarding the legal consequences arising from Israel’s policies and practices in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, as well as the ICJ’s 2004 ruling on the legal consequences of constructing a wall in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

The group also recalled the issuance of arrest warrants by the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Nov 21, 2024, against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, indicating “reasonable grounds to believe” they bear criminal responsibility for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The statement further referenced the April 30, 2024, ruling in Nicaragua v. Germany, which reminded all states of their obligations under international law concerning arms transfers to conflict parties.

As part of their commitments, the representatives pledged to “uphold UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/Es-10/24 and support ICC proceedings regarding the arrest warrants issued on Nov 21, 2024, and implement the provisional measures of the ICJ issued on Jan 26, March 28, and May 24, 2024.”

It pledged to “prevent the provision or transfer of arms, munitions, and related equipment to Israel, in all cases where there is a clear risk that such arms and related items might be used to commit or facilitate violations of humanitarian law, international human rights law, or the prohibition on genocide.”

The group further committed to preventing the docking of vessels at any port within their territorial jurisdiction, where applicable, in cases where there is a clear risk of the vessel being used to carry military fuel and weaponry to Israel, which might be used to commit or facilitate violations of humanitarian law, international human rights law, and the prohibition on genocide in Palestine.

The Hague Group emphasised the importance of unified global action.

“We will take further effective measures to end Israeli occupation of the State of Palestine and remove obstacles to the realisation of the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, including the right to their independent State of Palestine.

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

“We call on all nations to join us in The Hague Group in the solemn commitment to an international order based on the rule of law and international law, which, together with the principles of justice, is essential for peaceful coexistence and cooperation among States.”

-- BERNAMA