WALVIS BAY – Nine countries have launched a coalition and announced joint legal, economic and diplomatic actions against Israel’s actions in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories.

The Hague Group, consisting of Belize, Bolivia, Cuba, Colombia, Honduras, Malaysia, Namibia, Senegal and South Africa, has pledged bold measures against Israel’s occupation of Palestine, including blocking arms transfers and military shipments.

A meeting took place on Friday at The Hague in The Netherlands.

The Israel-Palestine conflict, marked by territorial, political and religious tensions, has persisted since 1948 with the establishment of Israel.

Violence erupted in October 2023 when Hamas launched a large-scale attack on Israel, prompting heavy Israeli airstrikes on Gaza.

A ceasefire was agreed upon in 2024 after significant casualties, though issues like Palestinian self-determination and Israeli security remain unresolved. The international community continues to urge accountability and a lasting resolution.

The group aims to uphold rulings by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) as well as the International Criminal Court (ICC),

 amidst Israel’s defiance and the United States’ attempts to weaken the ICC. 

They call for global accountability to stop human rights’ violations in Palestine.

A statement released by the countries asserts that they will take further effective measures to end the Israeli occupation of Palestine and remove obstacles to Palestinian self-determination, including the right to an independent State of Palestine.

Speaking at the meeting, Namibia’s justice minister Yvonne Dausab said the right to self-determination is sacred, and cannot be applied selectively.

“This may be present here, but we must understand its historical significance. Namibia is proud to be part of this historic moment, where we reaffirm that the right to self-determination is central to the recognition of human rights. Our long-standing solidarity will not wither until the people of Palestine enjoy the fruits of their country,” she stated.

Dausab added that Namibia continues to join efforts to reinvigorate respect for life and dignity for all humanity, including the people of Palestine, in the digital age.

The minister said the images of destruction and loss have become seared into a collective memory, underscoring persistent conflict.

It is thus unimaginable that 75 years after the Universal Declaration was adopted, the people of Palestine have endured such horrific atrocities.  They are now subjected to rubble, as their homes, schools and health facilities are destroyed. “Namibia has joined with other States before the ICJ, and stood with South Africa in their case against Israel, holding them accountable for the crimes committed against Palestinians. While we welcome the ceasefire and the progress made in releasing detainees on both sides, every effort must be made to de-escalate the violence and end this brutal war. 

The hope of peace and security for the men, women and children of Palestine must not be compromised. We must protect the integrity of the ceasefire,” she stated.

Dausab noted that Namibia last year revoked permission for the vessel MV Katherine, suspected of transporting military cargo to Israel, to dock in Namibian waters.

“We, therefore, reinforce our current stance in today’s historic moment, and call on all States to take the same position in compliance with international law and the decision of the ICJ,” she noted.

South Africa’s deputy minister of international relations Alvin Botes, who also spoke at the meeting, said the attacks have created what many observers were characterising as a crisis of humanity and a living hell for Gaza’s 2.3 million inhabitants.

 This shocks the conscience of most of the world.

“South Africa has sought to end the situation of unprecedented turmoil by referring the matter to the ICJ, which is the ultimate authority under the Genocide Convention. We asked the court to order provisional measures to compel Israel to end its genocidal acts in Palestine. The ICJ made such orders, but Israel refused to abide by them,” he observed.

Botes said States supporting Israel undermine the authority of the ICJ, instead of enacting third-party State responsibilities to ensure that Israel meets its legal obligations.

In July last year, the ICJ issued an advisory on the legal consequences arising from Israel’s practice of occupying Palestinian territories, including Jerusalem, declaring that Israel’s occupation of these areas is unlawful.

“Despite the order, Israel continues its destruction in Palestine as it seeks to further depopulate Palestinian territories through force, allied occupation and genocidal actions,” Botes added.  “On 18 September 2024, the United Nations General Assembly voted overwhelmingly to impose the ICJ’s advisory opinion. This resolution, therefore, imposes counter-measures for Israel’s breaches of international law,” he continued.

“The international community must not allow Israel to evade accountability for its actions. This is unacceptable. We should not be complicit in Israel’s efforts to irreparably harm the institutions we established to maintain peace and justice. South Africa will continue to champion these institutions of global governance, protecting the fundamental rights of Palestinians in Gaza. We will continue to do everything within our power to preserve Palestinians’ right of access to freedom as a group and as a people.” -edeklerk@nepc.com