Wed Jul 16 20:40:31 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**Global South Nations Unite to Restrict Arms Transfers to Israel in Response to Gaza Conflict**

**Bogota, Colombia –** A coalition of 12 nations, primarily from the “Global South,” has pledged to take concrete action to hold Israel accountable for its conduct in Gaza, including a ban on arms transfers. The announcement was made at the conclusion of a two-day summit in Bogota, Colombia, organized by The Hague Group, a newly formed organization dedicated to pressuring Israel to end its war on Gaza and the occupation of Palestinian territories.

The 12 nations – Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, Indonesia, Iraq, Libya, Malaysia, Namibia, Nicaragua, Oman, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and South Africa – agreed to six measures aimed at “restraining Israel’s assault on the Occupied Palestinian Territories.” These measures include:

* Denial of arms to Israel.
* A ban on ships transporting arms to Israel.
* Review of public contracts for links to companies profiting from the Israeli occupation.
* Support for “universal jurisdiction mandates” to prosecute serious international crimes.

“Today marks an end to the era of impunity and the beginning of collective state action by governments of conscience,” stated Varsha Gandikota-Nellutla, executive secretary of The Hague Group.

While the agreement represents a significant multilateral effort to pressure Israel, only a small fraction of 30 countries in attendance signed it. Critics also question the potential impact of this coalition, considering the substantial financial support Israel receives from the United States.

Despite international outcry and accusations of potential genocide, Israel’s military operations in Gaza continue.

The Hague Group has set a deadline of September 20 for other nations to join the initiative, coinciding with the UN General Assembly.

Francesca Albanese, the United Nations special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, lauded the summit as part of a growing global movement against Israeli impunity, stating, “Palestine has changed global consciousness, drawing a clear line between those who oppose genocide and those who accept it or are part of it.”

Colombian President Gustavo Petro, a co-host of the conference, declared, “We came to Bogota to make history. And we did.”

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