Nations Declare First Collective Sanctions to Halt Genocide in Gaza
On 16 July, a coalition of Global South nations made history at a two-day emergency summit in Bogotá, Colombia, by announcing a coordinated arms embargo and other punitive measures against Israel over its ongoing genocide in Gaza. Convened by The Hague Group and hosted by the governments of Colombia and South Africa, the conference brought together delegations from 30 countries, though only 12 committed immediately to the measures.
Those nations—Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, Indonesia, Iraq, Libya, Malaysia, Namibia, Nicaragua, Oman, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and South Africa—signed on to a six-point agreement aimed at cutting off military supplies to Israel and holding it accountable under international law.
The decision follows months of pressure from civil society and a rising death toll in Gaza, which has exceeded 58,000 since October 2023, with the majority of casualties being women and children. The final communiqué called for an end to the “era of impunity” and stressed that international law must be upheld “without fear or favor.”
Concrete Sanctions to Curb Israeli Aggression
The signatories pledged to:
-
Halt all arms, ammunition, fuel, and dual-use technology exports to Israel;
-
Ban the use of their ports and flagged vessels to transport such items;
-
Conduct urgent reviews of public contracts linked to Israeli military supply chains;
-
Initiate or support independent prosecutions for war crimes;
-
Enforce universal jurisdiction to prosecute international crimes in Palestinian territories.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro said the move signals the beginning of a coordinated international pushback: “We came to Bogotá to make history—and we did. This is a turning point where law prevails over impunity.”
South Africa’s Secretary of State Ronald Lamola echoed the sentiment, calling the agreement a “collective affirmation that no state is above the law.”
Global South Mobilises Against Starvation and Siege
The measures come amid mounting international concern over what UN officials describe as genocidal tactics by Israel, including starvation. UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese, currently under U.S. sanctions for her criticisms of Israel, told delegates that “Palestine has triggered a global moral revolution,” drawing a line between states that support genocide and those that resist it.
Albanese warned against distraction tactics: “The world doesn’t lack clarity—it lacks courage.” She described Gaza as “hell on earth,” with starvation now as deadly as bombs.
Riyad Mansour, Palestine’s UN envoy, urged countries to translate symbolic gestures into concrete action: “This is not about theatrics. It’s about saving the children of Palestine and preserving their future.”
More Countries May Join by UN General Assembly
While only 12 countries committed to immediate action, The Hague Group announced an open invitation for others to join by September 20, aligning with the 80th UN General Assembly session. Consultations with additional states are underway.
This is the first coordinated embargo of its kind against Israel. Though the coalition’s economic leverage is limited compared to Western powers, organisers say the initiative is a moral and legal imperative—one that could influence international momentum.
Varsha Gandikota-Nellutla, Executive Secretary of The Hague Group, said: “This is not about supplication. This is about protagonism. Today, governments of conscience have acted.”
A Shift in Global Accountability
The Bogotá summit, backed by multilateral organisations and legal experts, marks the most ambitious Global South response to Israeli actions in Gaza to date. It underscores a growing divide between Western inertia and the proactive stance of developing nations.
As international outrage grows and the Gaza death toll rises, the coalition’s decision may serve as a model for future action—and a warning to those enabling what many now describe as crimes against humanity.
“Recognising Palestine is no longer symbolic,” Mansour said. “It is resistance against colonial expansion—and a fight for the survival of a people.”
More from Wake Up Singapore:-
“It Hurts Me — All My Body”: Pep Guardiola Speaks Out on Gaza at Honorary Degree Ceremony
Israel Seizes ‘The Madleen’ Gaza Aid Ship, Deports Greta Thunberg & Detains Activists
If you have a story or a tip-off, email admin@wakeup.sg or get in touch via Whatsapp at 8882 5913.
Interested in advertising on our media channels? Reach out to us at admin@wakeup.sg!
Since you have made it to the end of the article, follow Wake Up Singapore on Telegram and X!
Wake Up Singapore is a volunteer-run site that covers alternative views in Singapore. If you want to volunteer with us, sign up here!
If you can, please do consider buying a mug or two to support Wake Up Singapore’s work!
