What's happened
Countries from the Global South, including Colombia, South Africa, and others, met in Bogotá to coordinate efforts against Israel's actions in Gaza. They aim to enforce international law, halt arms sales, and suspend ties, amid accusations of genocide and ongoing military violence. The summit signals a shift toward collective action.
What's behind the headline?
The summit in Bogotá marks a significant shift in international diplomacy regarding the Israel-Gaza conflict. The participating countries, primarily from the Global South, are moving beyond rhetoric to propose concrete measures such as halting arms sales and enforcing international law. This collective action challenges the traditional dominance of Western powers, notably the US, which has historically shielded Israel from accountability. The coalition's focus on legal measures, including support for universal jurisdiction and enforcement of ICC warrants, indicates a strategic effort to leverage international institutions against Israeli policies. However, the effectiveness of these measures remains uncertain, given Israel's strong support from the US and its allies. The divergence between Western and non-Western approaches underscores a geopolitical realignment, with developing nations asserting greater influence in global governance. The summit also highlights the growing frustration among these nations over perceived impunity and the failure of diplomatic pressure to alter Israeli military actions. If sustained, this movement could reshape international responses to conflicts involving alleged war crimes, emphasizing accountability over diplomatic protection. The challenge ahead will be translating these declarations into enforceable actions, especially as Israel continues its military operations in Gaza, with over 58,000 Palestinians killed and widespread destruction. The summit's success will depend on whether these nations can mobilize sufficient economic and diplomatic leverage to influence Israeli policies and support Palestinian rights effectively.
What the papers say
The articles from Al Jazeera and The New Arab provide detailed accounts of the recent summit in Bogotá, emphasizing the coalition of developing nations seeking to enforce international law against Israel. Both sources highlight the formation of the Hague Group, the focus on legal and diplomatic measures, and the broader geopolitical implications. Al Jazeera notes the specific measures discussed, such as arms embargoes and universal jurisdiction, and underscores the challenge of limited influence over Israel given US support. The New Arab emphasizes the historical context, including South Africa's comparison of Israeli policies to apartheid, and the international legal rulings against Israel, such as the ICC warrants. Both articles portray the summit as a significant step in challenging Israeli impunity, though they acknowledge the limited immediate impact due to Israel's strong backing from Western allies. The articles also reflect a shared perspective that this coalition represents a shift towards collective action among non-Western nations, aiming to hold Israel accountable for its actions in Gaza.
How we got here
The recent escalation in Gaza, with over 58,000 Palestinians killed since October 2023, has prompted international efforts to hold Israel accountable. A coalition of developing nations, organized as the Hague Group, convened in Bogotá to push for measures such as arms embargoes, sanctions, and enforcement of ICC warrants. These actions follow years of legal rulings against Israeli settlement expansion and accusations of genocide, with some countries suspending diplomatic ties and calling for international intervention. The summit reflects a broader movement among non-Western nations to challenge Israeli policies and promote accountability under international law.
Go deeper
Common question
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Why Are Countries Calling for Action Against Israel in Gaza?
The international response to Israel's military operations in Gaza has sparked widespread debate. Many countries, especially developing nations, are calling for action, including sanctions and diplomatic measures. But what are the main reasons behind this global push, and what could it mean for the conflict? Below, we explore the key questions about the international response and what it might entail.
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What Are Countries in the Global South Doing Against Israel?
Recently, nations from the Global South, including Colombia and South Africa, have taken coordinated actions against Israel's military operations in Gaza. These efforts include diplomatic measures, legal actions, and calls for international accountability. But what exactly are these countries doing, and why are they so vocal? Below, we explore the key actions, their significance, and what they mean for international relations.
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What’s the Latest on Gaza, Ukraine, and Global Responses?
With ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, international responses are evolving rapidly. From worsening humanitarian crises to new peace proposals and global coalitions, people are searching for clear, concise updates. Below, we answer the most common questions about these pressing issues and what they mean for the world today.
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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Colombia, officially the Republic of Colombia, is a transcontinental country largely in the north of South America, with territories in North America.
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South Africa, officially the Republic of South Africa, is the southernmost country in Africa. With over 59 million people, it is the world's 24th-most populous nation and covers an area of 1,221,037 square kilometres.
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Gaza most commonly refers to:
Gaza Strip, a Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea
Gaza City, a city in the Gaza Strip
Gaza may also refer to: