12 Countries Enact Full Arms Embargo on Israel at Landmark Meeting in Bogotá

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The rest of the 30-nation bloc are set to follow within the next two months - by Sep. 20, 2025.

18/7-2025

Coverphoto: 1) Francesca Albanese adresses the participants. 2) Leaders from the Hague group and other participants at the landmark meeting in Bogotá. Photos: Progressive International

On July 15–16, 30 countries—including South Africa, Colombia, Bolivia, Indonesia, Ireland, Spain and others—gathered in Bogotá for an emergency ministerial summit to respond to Israel's growing crimes against humanity in Gaza.

The summit was held under the banner of The Hague Group, a coalition formed to enforce the rulings of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and International Criminal Court (ICC) concerning Israel’s genocidal actions in Palestine.

Hosted by Colombia and South Africa, the summit addressed the urgent need for immediate intervention to stop Israel's genocide in Gaza.

UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese, attending the conference, reiterated her call on states to fulfill their obligations to international law.

Six Binding Measures Adopted

Twelve countries—Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, Indonesia, Iraq, Libya, Malaysia, Namibia, Nicaragua, Oman, Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, and South Africa—committed to immediate implementation of six coordinated measures through national legal systems.

South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola emphasized, “No state is above the law. This is about protecting human dignity and upholding international justice.”

The remaining 18 countries at the summit agreed in principle and are expected to adopt the same measures before the opening of the UN General Assembly on September 20, 2025.

The 6 Concrete Measures:

  1. Total Arms Embargo on Israel
    A ban on all exports, transfers, and transit of arms, ammunition, fuel, military vehicles, and dual-use goods to Israel—aimed at preventing further violations of international humanitarian law.
  2. Closure of Ports to Military Shipments to Israel
    Prohibiting Israeli-bound military cargo ships from docking, refueling, or passing through national ports, in line with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
  3. De-flagging of Vessels Carrying Arms to Israel
    Ensuring that ships registered under a state’s flag do not transport arms or military equipment to Israel. States will revoke flag status for violators.
  4. Scrutiny of Public Contracts and Investments
    Immediate review of state contracts, pension funds, and public procurement to divest from companies or projects that support Israel’s occupation, military or settlements.
  5. Domestic Legal Accountability
    Launching or supporting independent investigations into war crimes or crimes against humanity committed in Gaza—whether through domestic courts or in cooperation with the ICC.
  6. Universal Jurisdiction Commitments
    Utilizing universal jurisdiction to prosecute those responsible for international crimes in the occupied Palestinian territories, regardless of nationality or where the crime occurred.


A growing united Global Front

While the first 12 countries have enacted the measures immediately, the other 18 participating states—including Spain, Ireland, Chile, Qatar, and China—have until September 20, 2025, to align fully with the plan.

That date marks the opening of the next session of the UN General Assembly, where the bloc plans to present a unified position and expand global support.

The action plan is being called the most cohesive international response yet to the genocide in Gaza.

Francesca Albanese called the outcome a “historic turning point,” noting that countries are “finally aligning moral outrage with lawful action.”

The Bogotá conference represents a pivot away from passive condemnation toward actual political action through active enforcement of international legal obligations.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro said, “We came to Bogotá to make history—and we did,” declaring the embargo and accountability plan the beginning of the end of Israel's impunity.


What’s Next?

Leading up to the UN General Assembly in September, diplomatic efforts are underway to expand support for the six measures beyond the initial 30 countries.

Organizers of the summit stated that several more nations—particularly from Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia—have expressed interest in joining the initiative.

A follow-up summit is expected in New York in September, where new states may sign on and the coalition will push for broader international recognition and enforcement.

12 Countries Enact Full Arms Embargo on Israel at Landmark Meeting in Bogotá

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by 
Kristian Lindhardt