REPRESENTATIVES of nine nations met The Hague today to develop co-ordinated action to support the Palestinians and uphold international law.

The inaugural statement from the Hague Group, convened in the Dutch city by the Progressive International, said the signatories refused “to remain passive in the face of international crimes” committed by Israel against the Palestinians.

The statement was signed by representatives of Belize, Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, Honduras, Malaysia, Namibia, Senegal and South Africa.

It said the countries were “determined to uphold our obligations to end the Israeli occupation of the State of Palestine and support the realisation of the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, including the right to their independent State of Palestine.”

The group pledged to support actions such as preventing the provision or transfer of weapons to Israel and not allowing vessels they believe to be carrying weaponry to Israel to dock in their ports.

They invited all states to join the group “in the solemn commitment to an international order based on the rule of law.”

Progressive International co-general co-ordinator Varsha Gandikota-Nellutla said: “The Hague Group is born of necessity. 

“In a world where powerful nations act with impunity, we must stand together to defend the principles of justice, equality and human rights.”

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Israel’s violations “strike at the very foundations of international law, which the global community has a duty to defend.”

South African Minister of International Relations and Co-operation Ronald Lamola said the formation of The Hague Group “sends a clear message: no nation is above the law and no crime will go unanswered.”

“The world cannot stand by and watch, when we made a commitment more than 75 years ago that never again shall the world suffer atrocities,” said Namibia’s Minister of Justice Yvonne Dausab. 

“We can not be and must not be selective about protecting lives. Regardless of who the victims are, all lives matter, Palestinian lives matter.”