40 Countries Propose Sanctions Over Israeli West Bank Annexation

Forty governments gathered in The Hague to discuss coordinated legal and economic measures related to Israel’s policies in the occupied West Bank, reflecting growing efforts by states to translate diplomatic criticism into concrete policy actions.

The meeting was organized under the framework of The Hague Group, an international initiative established in January 2025 to coordinate legal responses to Israel’s policies in the occupied Palestinian territories and the war in Gaza. The conference, co-chaired by South Africa and Colombia, brought together representatives from 40 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America.

The gathering marked the largest meeting held by the group since its formation in January 2025, when nine states initially launched the initiative.

Executive Secretary Varsha Gandikota-Nellutla highlighted the expansion of participation in a social media post.

This is extremely significant. When we founded The Hague Group in Jan 2025, nine states stood together. Today, 40 states at our meeting on accountability.

Executive Secretary Varsha Gandikota-Nellutla

The meeting followed earlier diplomatic coordination, including a two-day emergency summit in Bogotá in July 2025, where participating states issued a declaration calling for sanctions and legal accountability over what they described as grave violations of international law in Gaza.

Participants reiterated their commitment to the United Nations Charter, particularly the prohibition on acquiring territory by force and the principle of self-determination.

Delegations discussed three concrete measures aimed at enforcing international legal obligations related to the occupation.

One proposal involves strengthening accountability mechanisms by requiring disclosure from travelers who served in the Israeli military, potentially subjecting them to additional screening under national war crimes legislation.

A second proposal focuses on enforcing non-recognition of Israeli settlements by banning imports of settlement goods and preventing companies based in participating states from operating in those settlements.

A third measure would halt the transfer or transit of arms, military fuel and dual-use items to Israel, while also reviewing government procurement contracts to ensure that public funds do not support the occupation.

The joint statement issued after the meeting said the measures were intended to ensure that there is “no safe haven” for perpetrators of genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity or the crime of aggression.

Diplomatic concern has intensified following recent policy decisions by Israel affecting governance in the West Bank, which Israel has administered under military law for nearly six decades.

On 8 February, Israel’s cabinet approved sweeping administrative changes expanding Israeli civilian authority in parts of the territory. Officials involved in the meeting argued that the measures extend Israeli sovereignty and further weaken the authority of the Palestinian Authority, which exercises limited self-rule in parts of the West Bank.

Participants also pointed to the controversial E1 settlement project, which diplomats said threatens the territorial continuity needed for a viable Palestinian state.

The discussions in The Hague focused heavily on how states might enforce obligations outlined in a July 2024 advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and a subsequent United Nations General Assembly resolution.

Those legal decisions called on states to avoid recognizing Israel’s occupation as lawful and to prevent assistance that could sustain it.

Colombia’s vice-minister of multilateral affairs Mauricio Jaramillo said frustration among governments over the lack of enforcement has grown. “Israel is carrying out dispossession in plain sight,” Jaramillo said.

“After Gaza, entrenching its de facto annexation of parts of the West Bank is the next step in a project of permanent occupation.”

Colombia’s VM of Multilateral Affairs Mauricio Jaramillo

Palestinian ambassador to the Netherlands Ammar Hijazi said the meeting was significant because it focused on implementing existing legal obligations. “The legal framework is not in dispute,” Hijazi said. “What is required is implementation.”

Countries represented at the meeting included Algeria, Brazil, China, Egypt, Indonesia, Mexico, Norway, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and Venezuela, among others, reflecting a broad geographic coalition.

Several countries that support the group’s goals but are not formal members have already adopted policy measures aligned with the initiative. Türkiye, Spain and Ireland have imposed sanctions against Israel over the past year.