The Hague Group Issues Inaugural Joint Statement On Palestine

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Malaysia was represented by its ambassador to The Netherlands, Roseli Abdul, at the inauguration of The Hague Group yesterday. (The Hague Group pic)
THE HAGUE: Representatives from the governments of Belize, Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, Honduras, Malaysia, Namibia, Senegal, and South Africa convened yesterday in The Hague, Netherlands, to formally inaugurate The Hague Group.
Malaysia was represented by its ambassador to The Netherlands, Roseli Abdul.
In a historic joint statement, the participating nations reaffirmed their commitment to upholding international law and ensuring accountability for alleged crimes committed in the occupied Palestinian territory.
Guided by the purposes and principles enshrined in the United Nations charter, and the responsibility of all nations to uphold the inalienable rights of all peoples, including the right to self-determination, the representatives stressed their collective responsibility to uphold the Palestinian right to self-determination.
The statement cited several key legal instruments, including the orders of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) 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 “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.
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.
“We invite all nations to take every possible action to end Israel’s occupation of the state of Palestine.
“We urge 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.” - FMT

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