A group of 30 countries, including South Africa and Cuba, has gathered in Bogotá, Colombia, to condemn Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide. The meeting, convened by the Hague Group, aims to stop Israel’s ongoing attacks on Palestinians. Special UN Rapporteur Francesca Albanese called for states to sever ties with Israel and place sanctions on the country.
The US State Department has strongly opposed the meeting, claiming it is an attempt to “weaponize” international law against Israel. However, Annelle Sheline, a former US foreign affairs officer, said that sovereign nations have the right to uphold their obligations as UN members, including under the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.
Colombia’s Foreign Minister Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio described Israel’s attacks as an “unequivocal genocide.” The meeting comes amid heightened tensions between the US and Colombia over the issue. Colombian President Gustavo Petro cut diplomatic ties with Israel last year due to the Gaza genocide.
The Hague Group, created through the help of Progressive International, is pushing for an end to Israel’s offensive. Other organizations, including international human rights groups and advocacy for Palestinian rights, are also in attendance. The meeting marks a significant shift in how some states will address the ongoing conflict, with some officials calling for concrete measures to stop the genocide.
The conference has sparked controversy, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio announcing sanctions on Albanese due to her efforts to prompt International Criminal Court action against US and Israeli officials, companies, and executives. However, Albanese stressed that the sanctions are symbolic and represent the ongoing war and US complicity in the conflict.
As the meeting comes to a close, there is hope that states will work together to take concrete measures to end the genocide in Gaza and support the Palestinian people.
Source: https://www.dropsitenews.com/p/israel-genocide-united-states-the-hague-group-colombia-international-law-united-nations