Colombia is hosting the first Hague Group summit, a gathering of 30 countries and UN officials aimed at coordinating actions against Israel’s Gaza offensive, which has claimed over 58,000 lives.
The conference, scheduled for July 15-16 in Bogotá, seeks to implement “legal and diplomatic measures” to pressure Israel for its alleged violations of international law. The group, comprised of Bolivia, Cuba, Honduras, Senegal, South Africa, Malaysia, Namibia, and Colombia, aims to prevent the supply of arms to Israel and halt ships linked to the Israeli military industry from docking in its ports.
Colombia’s Deputy Minister of Multilateral Affairs, Mauricio Jaramillo, emphasized the importance of the summit, stating that “we must move from rhetoric to action” to stop the alleged genocide. The conference will feature high-profile guests, including UN rapporteur Francesca Albanese, who has been critical of Israel’s actions.
The Hague Group’s members, including South Africa and Colombia, have expressed solidarity with the Palestinian cause, while also condemning Israeli actions. Colombian President Gustavo Petro has been a vocal critic of Israel’s policies, stating that “no state is above the law.”
The summit comes after US sanctions were imposed on Albanese for her criticism of Israel. The event has sparked controversy, with some in the Jewish community rejecting it as a threat to peace and coexistence.
Despite the tensions, Petro and his government see the summit as an opportunity to uphold international law and protect human rights. “Let’s be protagonists together,” he urged, highlighting the need for collective action against Israeli actions.
Source: https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-07-15/colombia-hosts-first-hague-group-summit-to-finalize-action-against-israels-gaza-offensive.html