Global South urges arms embargo on Israel at Colombia summit

A group of countries at a summit in Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, has agreed on a package of measures aimed at holding Israel accountable for its actions in the Gaza Strip.

According to Colombia Reports, the summit concluded on July 16, with six key initiatives adopted — including a call to halt arms shipments to Israel. 

The event was attended by representatives from 30 countries, but only 12 endorsed the final measures. These included Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, Indonesia, Iraq, Libya, Malaysia, Namibia, Nicaragua, Oman, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and South Africa.

The summit was organized by the Hague Group, an alliance formed in January that presents itself as a coalition of Global South countries seeking to pressure Israel to end its war in Gaza and its occupation of Palestinian territories.

The adopted measures include a suspension of weapons transfers to Israel, a ban on the passage of ships carrying such cargo, audits of public procurement to identify links with companies profiting from Israel’s occupation, and support for universal jurisdiction to prosecute international crimes.

Despite the limited number of signatories, delegates described the plan as the most ambitious initiative since the outbreak of the conflict in October 2023.

According to a statement by the Hague Group, other nations may join the measures by September 20 — the date the UN General Assembly session opens.

By Khagan Isayev