Convened by the Hague Group, an Emergency Ministerial Conference on Palestine began at the San Carlos Palace in Bogotá, Colombia, on July 15, 2025. From right to left: Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur on the Palestinian Territories; Riyad Mansour, Minister of Palestine; Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio, Foreign Minister of Colombia Zane Dangor, Deputy Minister of South Africa (Photo by Juancho Torres/Anadolu via Getty Images).
Summary
On July 15, 2025, over 30 nations gathered in Bogotá, Colombia, under the auspices of The Hague Group—a multilateral effort co-chaired by Colombia and South Africa—to confront what they label as Israel’s genocide in Gaza. The conference, convened in defiance of U.S. sanctions and political pressure, featured high-profile speakers including UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese, who called for full severance of international ties with Israel and labeled the war a clear-cut case of genocide. The event marks a historic shift, with several states signaling readiness to support legal and economic sanctions against Israel and to elevate cases before the International Criminal Court and International Court of Justice.
The U.S. responded with harsh condemnation, denouncing the event as part of a “radical anti-Western agenda” and defending its sanctions against Albanese. Former U.S. officials such as Annelle Sheline rebutted that the event is a rightful application—not weaponization—of international law. Tensions between the U.S. and Colombia have escalated sharply, culminating in the recall of both nations’ ambassadors. Colombian Foreign Minister Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio reaffirmed her government's stance, calling the Gaza assault genocide and pledging Colombia’s support for legal accountability under international law.
Quotes
“There is nothing to negotiate about. Israel needs to withdraw from Gaza totally and unconditionally.” – Francesca Albanese
“These ties must be terminated as a matter of urgency. Let’s be clear: I mean cutting ties with Israel, as a whole.” – Francesca Albanese
“This is not the weaponization of international law. This is the application of international law.” – Annelle Sheline
“Colombia has positioned itself without ambiguity: what is happening in Gaza is a genocide.” – Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio
“Accountability alone is not enough... The best and most assured way to protect the Palestinian people... is their freedom.” – Riyad Mansour
“Starvation and water is being used as a weapon of war.” – Dr. Thaer Ahmad
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