World must deny Israel ‘tools of genocide’, warns growing alliance of activist states

World Must Deny Israel "Tools of Genocide," Says Growing Alliance of Activist States A growing alliance of countries has called on the international community to deny Israel the tools of genocide, citing its ongoing occupation of Palestinian land as a grave human rights concern. At a meeting in New York of the Hague Group, co-chaired by South Africa and Colombia, Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan emphasized the shared responsibility of states to prevent genocide. The Hague Group, formed last year, has become a key platform for coordinating practical economic and legal steps to isolate Israel over its actions in Gaza. The group's members have been working together to identify companies that enable Israel's occupation and to take collective action at ports and airports to prevent the transfer of goods and services that support the Israeli military. "States have a moral and legal duty to deny Israel the tools of genocide," Hasan said, according to a statement released by the Malaysian Foreign Ministry. "We must work together to prevent further suffering in Gaza and to hold accountable those responsible for this humanitarian crisis." The Hague Group's call comes as international pressure on Israel continues to mount over its actions in Gaza, which have resulted in widespread destruction and loss of life. The United Nations has warned of a potential humanitarian disaster in the region, with thousands of Palestinians displaced and in need of aid. Background context shows that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been ongoing for decades, with both sides claiming rights to the same land. The international community has repeatedly called on Israel to respect Palestinian human rights and to end its occupation of Palestinian territory. Additional perspectives come from human rights groups, which have long criticized Israel's actions in Gaza as a form of collective punishment. "The Israeli military's use of force against civilians is a clear breach of international law," said Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East director at Human Rights Watch. "We welcome the Hague Group's efforts to isolate companies that enable this occupation and to hold accountable those responsible for human rights abuses." Current status shows that the Hague Group will continue to work together to coordinate practical steps to pressure Israel. The group has already seen some success in its efforts, with several countries announcing plans to divest from companies linked to Israel's military. The next development is expected to be a major international conference on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which will bring together leaders from around the world to discuss a lasting solution to the crisis. In the meantime, the Hague Group will continue to push for collective action to isolate Israel and to hold accountable those responsible for human rights abuses. Byline: Reporting from New York, [Your Name] *Reporting by Theguardian.*