The Hague Group significant, must garner more support, says analyst

KUALA LUMPUR: The Hague Group's formation is a significant diplomatic move and must expand its support base to achieve its stated goals.

"I think it's a very interesting strategic step, but the most important thing is to get more support, not only from the nine initial members of The Hague Group but from the broader international community," said Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research senior fellow Dr Azmi Hassan.

Earlier today, the group, comprising South Africa, Malaysia, Belize, Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, Honduras, Namibia, and Senegal, released a joint statement to prevent the provision of arms and docking of vessels when there is a risk that it may be implicated in Israel's breaches of international law.

Azmi said that building a stronger coalition is crucial for the group's legal and diplomatic efforts in holding Israel accountable under international law.

"This initial group needs to encompass a lot more support, a lot more nations to back this particular initiative," he added.

Despite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu facing scrutiny by the ICC and the ICJ's definitive ruling on Israel's occupation, Azmi said the legal battle remains an uphill task. "To continue pursuing international legal avenues, which South Africa initiated with its complaint at the ICJ, more support is needed," he added.

Azmi also saidthat US President Donald Trump's recent remarks on Gaza, which suggested the forced relocation of Palestinians to Jordan or Egypt, reinforce the case that ethnic cleansing is indeed taking place.

"I think Trump understands that this is genocide, ethnic cleansing more specifically, so it makes it easier for The Hague Group to pursue the matter," he said.

Following the joint statement, Malaysia's Ambassador to the Netherlands, Datuk Roseli Abdul, reaffirmed its unwavering support for the Palestinian cause, calling for the full implementation of the Jan 15 ceasefire agreement as a vital step towards lasting peace.

According to the joint statement, their stated aim is based on upholding the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Israel's policies and practices in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, which they have deemed illegal.

They also declared their intention to comply with warrants issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for Netanyahu, ex-Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and now-deceased Hamas leader Mohammed Deif.