Spain Joins 'The Hague Group' Coalition for Israel Sanctions Amid Gaza Conflict

The Spanish government has formally joined 'The Hague Group,' a 34-nation coalition spearheaded by South Africa and Colombia. The coalition's stated objective is to impose economic sanctions on Israel and pursue accountability for its actions in the Gaza Strip. This decision was announced on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly's meetings in New York.

Coalition's Formation and Objectives

'The Hague Group' was initially formed by Colombia and South Africa with the aim of coordinating international action against Israel. The coalition, which includes countries such as Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Ireland, Turkey, Bolivia, Cuba, Indonesia, Iraq, Libya, Malaysia, Namibia, Nicaragua, Oman, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, seeks to establish specific sanctions. According to Colombia's Vice Minister for Multilateral Affairs, Mauricio Jaramillo Jassir, these measures are intended to move 'beyond discourse and into action' and are in full compliance with international humanitarian law.

Proposed Sanctions and Accountability Measures

The program outlined by 'The Hague Group' encompasses a range of measures designed to pressure Israel and ensure accountability. These include:

• Banning the export of dual-use equipment to Israel.
• Prohibiting the transit of military shipments through member states' ports.
• Terminating public contracts with institutions that support what the group refers to as 'the occupation.'
• Pushing for Israel's accountability before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
• Enforcing an oil embargo and other punitive steps if Israel continues to defy the international community.

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez had previously announced a 'total' arms embargo on Israel, including a ban on arms exports, fuel transit, and imports of products and services from occupied territories. He also stated that individuals 'participating directly in the genocide, the violation of human rights and war crimes in the Gaza Strip' would be barred from entering Spanish territory.

Spain's Broader Engagement and International Context

In addition to joining 'The Hague Group,' Madrid confirmed its participation in the donor group responsible for financing the Palestinian Authority, alongside nations such as France and the United Kingdom. This broader engagement reflects Spain's consistent stance on the conflict. The initiative by 'The Hague Group' was announced as a counterpoint to Benjamin Netanyahu's speech at the UN General Assembly, following a collective protest by dozens of delegations. The coalition's statement emphasizes that 'The choice each government faces is clear: complicity or compliance with international law,' and that 'History will judge us not by the speeches we make, but by the actions we take.' The measures are presented as part of 'the global response to Israel's constant crimes' and aim to 'establish a model for all states to fulfill their international obligations.'