On Thursday, October 12, 2023, the Bezuidenhout Synagogue in The Hague became the epicenter of a profound display of unity and resilience as hundreds of individuals, including members of the Jewish community and the diplomatic corps, came together in a solemn gathering to offer prayers and support following the brutal terrorist attacks on Israel. This event not only showcased the unwavering solidarity of the Jewish community but also emphasized the importance of unity in times of adversity.
The backdrop for this united prayer gathering was the tragic attack on Israel that took place on October 7, 2023. The Israeli victims and their families were not alone in their suffering, as official statements from numerous countries and international organizations expressed their profound condolences and condemned the violence perpetrated by Hamas.
The Bezuidenhout Synagogue, a place of worship, reflection, and community for The Hague’s Jewish population, opened its doors to a diverse crowd. The attendees included members of the Jewish community who were deeply affected by the events in Israel, as well as representatives from the diplomatic corps in The Hague.
The Mayor of The Hague, Jan van Zanen.
Mayor Jan van Zanen graced the event with his presence and delivered a poignant speech on the significance of unity and strength during trying times.
The diplomatic corps was well-represented at the gathering, with Ambassadors and diplomats from various nations in attendance. Notable figures included: Ambassador of Israel, H.E. Modi Ephraim and the Cultural Attache Embassy of Israel, Ms. Fentay Alamu. The Ambassador of the United Kingdom, H.E. Joanna Roper, the Ambassador of Bulgaria, H.E. Konstantin Stefanov Dimitrov, the Ambassador of Australia, H.E. Dr. Gregory Alan French, the Ambassador of Greece, H.E. Caterina Ghini, the Ambassador-designate of Canada, Hugh Adsett, Deputy ambassador of France Mr. Daniel Westerink, Legal Counselor Embassy of the United States of America, Ms. Emily Kimbal, Counsellor Embassy of Argentina, Mr. Nicolas Rantica and the Head of Press & Cultural Embassy of Germany, Mr. Sebastian Kleve.
Bezuidenhout Synagogue, The Hague.
The program included a series of heartfelt speeches, with Rabbi Shmuel Katzman and Ambassador of Israel H.E. Modi Ephraim addressing the audience. Prayers and psalms, were led by Rabbi Simcha Steinberg from Eindhoven.
A particularly poignant moment came when children from the Jewish community joined together to sing songs of love and hope.
The gathering concluded with the entire assembly joining their voices in singing the national anthem of Israel, “Hatikvah,” which translates to “Hope.” This anthem carries a profound message of resilience and optimism, reminding all present that in the darkest of times, hope and unity can light the way forward.
The United Prayer Gathering at Bezuidenhout Synagogue in The Hague was a testament to the strength of human spirit and the power of faith and unity. As the Jewish community and their allies came together to support one another, they sent a powerful message of hope and solidarity.
Desde el ataque sufrido por Israel el pasado 7 de octubre del 2023, han sido muy diversos los comunicados oficiales provenientes de diversos Estados y organizaciones internacionales, expresando su profunda solidaridad con las víctimas israelíes y condenando la violencia perpetrada por el Hamás.
A modo de ejemplo, se pueden citar – entre muchos otros – los comunicados oficiales emitidos por Estados tales como Argentina: al respecto, se trata de un texto bastante breve si lo comparamos al contenido de los comunicados de Bolivia, o bien de Brasil, de Colombia y de Chile en lo que respecta a América Latina. Así también, podemos referir a los textos elaborados por parte de Alemania, de Japón, de Malasia, de Marruecos, de Oman, de Qatar, o de Suecia o bien los circulados por parte de Suiza , Tailandia y de Turquía ; también merece mención la posición externada esta vez por una organización internacional, la Unión Europea (UE).
Notemos que el comunicado bastante extenso elaborado por el aparato diplomático de Sudáfrica inicia de la siguiente manera:
“South Africa expresses its grave concern over the recent devastating escalation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The new conflagration has arisen from the continued illegal occupation of Palestine land, continued settlement expansion, desecration of the Al Aqsa Mosque and Christian holy sites, and ongoing oppression of the Palestinian people. The region is in desperate need of a credible peace process that delivers on the calls of a plethora of previous UN resolutions for a two-state solution and a just and comprehensive peace between Israel and Palestine”.
Foto extraída de nota de la BBC titulada “Ataque en Israel ¿Porqué el ejército de Israel tardó tanto en reaccionar al ataque de Hamás desde Gaza?” (edición del 10/10/2023)
Estos y muchos otros comunicados expresan cada uno a su manera, la solidaridad con las víctimas israelíes de lo acontecido el 7 de octubre en Israel, según el vocabulario y los términos y calificativos que quieran usar las autoridades del Estado del que proviene: sea de forma extensa, sea de forma escueta, sea con la idea de expresarse brevemente sobre una situación o un contexto, o bien con la de limitarse de forma concisa a este hecho como tal.
La respuesta israelí ante el derecho internacional humanitario
No obstante, a raíz del anuncio hecho por Israel de ejercer un bloqueo total sobre la Franja de Gaza, poblada con más de 2,2 millones de habitantes, y sometida a intensos bombardeos aéreos israelíes desde la tarde / noche del 7 de octubre del 2023, algunas pocas voces se han elevado. Mientras que otras como en Canadá, se han prestado a ejercicios semánticos incómodos (véase nota de LaPresse / Canada y esta otra de Radio Canada).
En particular, es de señalar la posición sumamente clara del Alto Comisionado para los Derechos Humanos de Naciones Unidas que ha informado en un comunicado de prensa que fue dado a conocer el pasado 10 de octubre (véase texto completo) que:
“On 9 October, the Israeli authorities ordered a “full siege” of Gaza, shutting off electricity, water, food and fuel supplies. This risks seriously compounding the already dire human rights and humanitarian situation in Gaza, including the capacity of medical facilities to operate, especially in light of increasing numbers of injured.“The imposition of sieges that endanger the lives of civilians by depriving them of goods essential for their survival is prohibited under international humanitarian law,” the High Commissioner said. Any restrictions on the movement of people and goods to implement a siege must be justified by military necessity or may otherwise amount to collective punishment.“
Nótese que en menos de 24 horas, Israel bombardeó con sus aviones tres veces el único punto que permite una salida de Gaza para una población civil palestina huyendo bombardeos aéreos, el puesto fronterizo de Rafah con Egipto (véase nota de prensa que recoge un cable AFP).
También cabe indicar que tres periodistas fueron víctimas de bombardeos israelíes en Gaza en tan solo 48 horas (véase nota del medio de la India, Siasat Daily y esta otra nota de 20.minutes /Francia). Una nota más reciente de una agencia turca de noticias refiere esta vez a 8 periodistas, de los cuales de dos no se tiene noticia (véase nota). En este comunicado, se habla ya no de 8 sino de 10 periodistas que perdieron la vida. También se ha registrado un indicente en Tel Aviv con un equipo de periodistas de la BBC (véase nota del 13/10/2023 de la misma BBC). Con relación a la prensa, hay que tener claro que, en un reciente informe presentado en junio del 2023 (véase enlace a informe A/HRC/53/22 con fecha del 9 de mayo del 2023) por parte de de una comisión de investigación sobre lo que ocurre en Palestina – creada por el Consejo de Derechos Humanos de Naciones Unidas en el 2021- , se lee que:
“72. Los periodistas palestinos están especialmente en el punto de mira y con frecuencia son objeto de acoso, agresiones, detenciones, encarcelamientos y acusaciones de incitación a la violencia, al parecer como parte de un empeño por disuadirles de continuar con su trabajo. Todo ello hace que los periodistas palestinos tengan cada vez más miedo y se autocensuren. Los periodistas israelíes también están cada vez más vigilados y sujetos a ataques, y se autocensuran por temor al acoso y a perder el empleo. La Comisión recuerda a todos los garantes de derechos su obligación de respetar, proteger y hacer efectivos los derechos de los periodistas a la seguridad y la libertad “.
Por su parte, se lee que para los funcionarios otra agencia de Naciones Unidas, la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS), los bombardeos israelíes están afectando dramáticamente la ya débil infraestructura de salud existente en Gaza, al leerse en este artículo de The Guardian que:
“The World Health Organization said there had been 11 attacks on healthcare sites – which included medical facilities, ambulances and care providers – in the first 36 hours of the new conflict in Gaza.“There is an urgent need to establish a humanitarian corridor for unimpeded, life-saving patient referrals and movement of humanitarian personnel and essential health supplies,” the WHO said.“
El 12 de octubre la reconocida ONG Human Rights Watch denunció el uso de fósforo blanco por parte de Israel tanto en Gaza como en recientes acciones militares en el Líbano (véase informe), en el que se puede leer que:
“The use of white phosphorus in Gaza, one of the most densely populated areas in the world, magnifies the risk to civilians and violates the international humanitarian law prohibition on putting civilians at unnecessary risk“.
Como se puede apreciar, la reacción militar israelí pareciera no limitarse únicamente al objetivo según el cual se busca destruir la infraestructura, el material y los centros de mando del Hamás ubicados en Gaza y lograr la eliminación física de sus principales dirigentes.
Saldos provisionales escalofriantes en pleno aumento
Debe tenerse claro que muchos de los heridos palestinos graves en Gaza que están siendo trasladados a hospitales sin flujo energético, ni agua, ni medicamentos, están condenados a una muerte segura, tal y como lo advirtió el Comité Internacional de la Cruz Roja (CICR) el 12 de octubre (véase comunicado).
En este muy completo artículo de The Guardian del 13 de octubre, se indica, con respecto a una orden de evacuación dada por Israel a 1,1 millones de habitantes de Gaza, que:
“Clive Baldwin, a senior legal adviser at Human Rights Watch, said Israel’s warning was simply not effective and called on world leaders to speak up. “The roads are rubble, fuel is scarce, and the main hospital is in the evacuation zone,” he said. “
El estado de situaciónal 14 de octubre del 2023 elaborado por la Oficina de Coordinación para Asuntos Humanitarios de Naciones Unidas (OCHA, véase enlace oficial) indica el saldo siguiente desde que inició el conteo de personas fallecidas y heridas el 7 de octubre:
del lado palestino, se registran en Gaza, 2228 personas fallecidas 8744 personas heridas, a las que hay que añadir – en Cisjordania – 54 fallecidos y 1151 heridos; mientras que
del lado israelí, se contabilizan 1300 personas fallecidas y 3621 heridas.
El mismo estado de situación al 12 de octubre del 2023 indicaba el siguiente saldo:
del lado palestino, se registraban en Gaza, 1417 personas fallecidas y 6268 personas heridas, a las que había que añadir – en Cisjordania – 33 fallecidos y 500 heridos; mientras que
del lado israelí, se contabilizan 1300 personas fallecidas y 3391 heridas.
Por su parte, el mismo estado de situación al 11 de octubre del 2023 indicaba el saldo siguiente:
del lado palestino, se registraban en Gaza, 1100 personas fallecidas y 5339 personas heridas, mientras que
del lado israelí, se contabilizaban a 1200 personas fallecidas y 3192 heridas.
Resulta muy llamativo señalar que 48 horas antes, en el informe del estado de situación al 9 de octubre del 2023, el saldo registrado era el siguiente:
del lado palestino, se registraban en Gaza, 687 personas fallecidas y 3800 personas heridas, mientras que;
del lado israelí, se contabilizan 900 personas fallecidas y 2616 heridas.
Tal y como se puede observar, día tras día, informe tras informe, los números provenientes de Gaza aumentan de una forma vertiginosa.
El último dato arrojado desde Gaza al 15 de octubre – en horas de la tarde en Palestina – refiere a 2450 personas muertas, de las cuales más de 700 niños (véase nota de RFI).
La opción del “asedio total” de Gaza, de la respuesta militar desproporcional e indiscriminada ante el derecho internacional público
En una reciente entrevista (cuya lectura completa recomendamos) a un especialista belga en derecho internacional público que bien conoce la situación en los territorios palestinos ocupados, se puede leer que:
“Quand on coupe l’eau et l’électricité, ainsi que l’approvisionnement en nourriture et en essence, ce qui s’ajoute au blocus militaire qui s’appliquait déjà depuis des années, on peut très rapidement aboutir à des effets délétères, qui contreviennent au droit humanitaire et aux droits humains”.
En igual sentido se ha pronunciado la Asociación Española para la Aplicación del Derecho Internacional de los Derechos Humanos (AEDIDH) en un muy completo comunicado cuya lectura se recomienda, recordando que la ofensiva militar previa en Gaza del 2014 por parte de Israel interesa al derecho penal internacional. Agradecemos desde ya a nuestros estimables lectores remitirnos pronunciamientos similares proviniendo sea de asociaciones de profesores de derecho internacional o sea de entidades de derechos humanos similares, o de algún llamado colectivos de especialistas en derechos humanos, bastante cautos y precavidos pese las dramáticas imágenes que circulan sobre lo que está ocurriendo en Gaza desde la tarde / noche del 7 de octubre.
Sobre este último aspecto – una rama específica del derecho internacional público como lo es el derecho penal internacional – , tuvimos en su momento la oportunidad de analizar la decisión del 4 de febrero del 2021 de una Sala de lo Preliminar de la Corte Penal Internacional (CPI) habilitando a la Fiscalía a llevar a cabo investigaciones en todos los territorios palestinos, sin excepción de ningún tipo (una decisión muy pocamente divulgada en algunos medios de prensa internacionales) véase al respecto nuestra nota titulada “Corte Penal Internacional (CPI) / Palestina: ¿el fin de la impunidad para los autores de crímenes de guerra cometidos en Palestina?“.
Las autoridades israelíes actuales: ¿víctimas de su propia … ilusión?
La decisión de Israel de oficialmente “vengar” a todos los israelíes que perdieron la vida en el ataque perpetrado por Hamás el pasado 7 de octubre desde Gaza (véase nota de Le Point – Francia) pareciera inscribirse en una lógica muy particular de las actuales autoridades israelíes, al parecer tomadas por sorpresa.
Se leyó en un editorial del períodico israelí Haaretz (véase texto) una opinión titulada “Netanyahu´recklessness has brought war upon Israel” mientras que esta nota de la BBC detalla las fallas observadas por parte de los servicios de inteligencia y de vigilancia en Israel.
Al tratarse del primer ataque de envergadura coordinado que sufre Israel en su propio territorio desde su creación en 1948 por parte de Hamás, dudas de diversa índole han aflorado, haciendo ver que lo ocurrido es también el resultado de una política errática de Israel en los últimos tiempos.
Las imágenes de parapentes motorizados del Hamás aterrizando sin mayor problema cerca de una muchedumbre bailando y escuchando un concierto de música (véase video) a muy pocos kilómetros de la Franja de Gaza son más que elocuentes.
Al parecer, gran parte de los efectivos militares de Israel custodiando usualmente los alrededores de la Franja de Gaza fueron enviados a Cisjordania para resguardar a grupos de colonos israelíes y protegerlos de las reacciones de familias palestinas despojadas de sus tierras. Más llamativo aún, informes de inteligencia provenientes de Egipto y advirtiendo de un posible ataque de cierta envergadura – “something big” según se difundió – no fueron tomados en cuenta por las mismas autoridades de Israel (véase nota del medio de prensa Times of Israel).
A modo de ejemplo entre las voces sumamente críticas hacia las actuales autoridades israelíes, el ex embajador de Israel en Francia, Elie Barnavi, tituló una columna – véase texto– en Le Monde (Francia) que lleva el siguiente nombre: ” L´attaque du Hamas résulte de la conjonction d´une organisation islamiste fanatique et d´une politique israélienne imbécile“.
No está de más indicar que la ONG israelí B´Tselem emitió un comunicado el 10 de octubre, advirtiendo de la muy probable comisión de crímenes de guerra por parte del ejército de Israel en la proyectada “venganza” anunciada por parte de sus máximas autoridades (véase comunicado), precisando que:
“One crime does not justify another, nor does one kind of injustice justify another. Acts of revenge are prohibited by basic moral principles and by the provisions of international law that Israel is obliged to uphold“.
Cabe recordar en este acápite, que la colonización ilegal israelí en Cisjordania llevó al Consejo de Seguridad de Naciones Unidas, el 20 de febrero del 2023, a expresarse mediante una Declaración de su Presidencia en los siguientes términos (véase texto completo):
“The Security Council reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the vision of the two-State solution where two democratic States, Israel and Palestine, live side by side in peace within secure and recognized borders, consistent with international law and relevant UN resolutions. The Security Council expresses deep concern and dismay with Israel’s announcement on February 12, 2023, announcing further construction and expansion of settlements and the “legalization” of settlement outposts. The Security Council reiterates that continuing Israeli settlement activities are dangerously imperiling the viability of the two-State solution based on the 1967 lines”.
Las reglas inmutables del derecho internacional humanitario
Desde la perspectiva del derecho internacional público, un Estado objeto de un ataque tiene derecho a defenderse.
No obstante, este mismo Estado tiene también la obligación de respetar la normativa existente en materia de derecho internacional humanitario al emprender acciones militares en respuesta al ataque sufrido. Estas reglas imponen en particular, a la hora de planificar operaciones militares,
la de discriminar claramente a la población civil de objetivos militares, así como;
la de responder de una manera que sea proporcional.
Ambas reglas aplican tanto para los militares de un Estado, como para un grupo alzado en armas como el Hamás, al ser de conocimiento general de todos los mandos militares que reciben algún tipo de formación.
Es así como, pese a repetidas acciones militares por parte de Rusia afectando directa e intencionalmente a la población civil ucraniana, desde que Rusia procedió a una agresión militar contra Ucrania en febrero del 2022, los militares de Ucrania han intentado mantener en sus operaciones militares una clara discriminación entre objetivos militares y la población civil rusa.
Volviendo a la convulsionada región de Gaza, cabe recordar que en el pasado, ofensivas militares en Gaza realizadas oficialmente por Israel para “eliminar a los terroristas del Hamás” han evidenciado dramáticos saldos mortíferos para la población civil palestina, también muy pocamente divulgados en algunos medios de prensa internacionales:
en el 2014, tras la ofensiva militar en Gaza (70 muertos del lado israelí, entre ellos 67 soldados ultimados durante la ofensiva terrestre), se registró la muerte de 2 251 personas del lado palestino, entre ellos 551 niños (véase enlace para acceder al informe elaborado por Naciones Unidas y su resumen);
en el 2009, la ofensiva militar llevada a cabo en Gaza entre el 28 de diciembre de 2008 y el 17 de enero de 2009 por parte Israel (véase enlace), se saldó con la muerte de 13 israelíes y la de aproximadamente 1 400 palestinos (véase la sección “casualties” en los párrafos 352-364 del este informe de Naciones Unidas). El Anexo II (página 434 en adelante) del precitado informe incluye la sostenida correspondencia con Israel ante su persistente negativa a cooperar con los integrantes de la comisión investigadora de Naciones Unidas.
Es probable que la respuesta militar israelí que, en estos días, va a consistir en “vengar” a las víctimas del 7 de octubre pasado, vuelva a condenar a gran parte de la población civil palestina de Gaza al sufrimiento y al dolor, debido a sus operaciones militares llevadas a cabo de manera indiscriminada y desproporcional.
Un punto específico debería interesar mucho más a los medios de comunicación: la muerte de periodistas y de reporteros palestinos en Gaza, de fotógrafos y camarógrafos, en la medida en que pudiera tenerse interés en Israel en que no se documente ni informe con exactitud sobre el alcance de sus bombardeos en Gaza.
Como ya ha ocurrido en el pasado, estas acciones de represalias israelíes serán objeto de una estricta observación por parte de varios órganos de Naciones Unidas así como de algunas de sus instituciones especializadas. De ser nuevamente tan mortífera y dañina para la población civil palestina de Gaza – como ya se observó en ocasiones anteriores – la Corte Penal Internacional (CPI) podría también iniciar una nueva investigación al respecto, incluyendo tanto las exacciones cometidas por Hamás como por parte de las fuerzas de seguridad de Israel en Gaza.
El pasado 10 de octubre, la precitada comisión internacional de investigación – creada en el seno del Consejo de Derechos Humanos desde el 2021 (véase enlace) – anunció que empezaba a recabar información sobre lo sucedido desde el 7 de octubre (véase su comunicado oficial).
Finalmente, resulta de interés revisar las conclusiones a las que llegaron en el pasado especialistas en derecho internacional público con relación a ofensivas militares en Gaza por parte de Israel. Por ejemplo, entre muchos otros, se señala en este artículo publicado por la Universidad de Denver (Colorado) en Estados Unidos, a propósito de la mortífera ofensiva en Gaza del 2009, que:
” Israel’s capacity to trample international humanitarian law in its current state is a function of two factors: its overwhelming military superiority as against any combination of its neighbors; and the cocoon of impunity in which it has been enwrapped-largely due to the diplomatic cover provided it by the United States.The United States government has exercised its veto power in the United Nations Security Council forty-two times-over half the vetoes it has employed since the birth of the United Nations-to spare Israel censure for its actions. In the recent fighting in Gaza, a Security Council resolution for a ceasefire was delayed in part out of concern over a probable U.S. veto, permitting Israel to extend its operation into several weeks”.
Manifestaciones de Estados de solidaridad con Israel que sí apuntan hacia una línea en el horizonte
Ante la situación que se vive en Israel desde el pasado 7 de octubre, la comunidad internacional está buscando a toda costa evitar una escalada de la violencia. Han sido muy diversos los llamados condenando la violencia por parte de los diversos actores de la sociedad internacional.
Al respecto, cabe indicar que, a diferencia de algunos Estados, omisos con relación a la solución futura de dos Estados en sus respectivos comunicados – como lo es el caso de los comunicados de Francia o de Guatemala y de Panamá -, se leyó en el comunicado elaborado el mismo 7 de octubre por parte del aparato diplomático de Chile (véase texto completo) que:
“Chile considera indispensable reimpulsar, con el apoyo de la comunidad internacional, el proceso de negociaciones directas y de buena fe entre ambas partes, conducentes a un acuerdo de paz justo, pleno y definitivo. Lo anterior, en el marco de la solución de los dos Estados, reconociendo el derecho de Israel y Palestina de coexistir en paz, dentro de fronteras seguras acordadas mutuamente e internacionalmente reconocidas, en conformidad a las resoluciones adoptadas por las Naciones Unidas“.
“O Brasil lamenta que em 2023, ano do 30º aniversário dos Acordos de Paz de Oslo, se observe deterioração grave e crescente da situação securitária entre Israel e Palestina.Na qualidade de Presidente do Conselho de Segurança das Nações Unidas, o Brasil convocará reunião de emergência do órgão.O governo brasileiro reitera seu compromisso com a solução de dois Estados, com Palestina e Israel convivendo em paz e segurança, dentro de fronteiras mutuamente acordadas e internacionalmente reconhecidas. Reafirma, ainda, que a mera gestão do conflito não constitui alternativa viável para o encaminhamento da questão israelo-palestina, sendo urgente a retomada das negociações de paz“.
Además de estos primeros llamados oficiales a no incrementar la violencia entre Israel y Palestina, algunos Estados como Egipto, Turquía, o bien Qatar (el cual provee mensualmente al Hamás con unos 30 millones de US$), han ofrecido su mediación con relación a la suerte de los más de 130 rehenes israelíes que permanecen en posesión del Hamás. Para algunos analistas, estos rehenes pueden constituir un verdadero “dilema” para los actuales decisores políticos israelíes (véase nota de Le Courrier International / Francia): hay que tener presente que en este grupo de 130 rehenes, hay nacionales de más de 20 Estados según informado por algunos medios europeos (véase nota de Libération / Francia).
A modo de conclusión
Es de esperar que las decisiones que tomen las máximas autoridades israelíes no vuelvan a repetir acciones pasadas, en clara violación a las normas más básicas del derecho internacional humanitario. Estas acciones militares desproporcionadas e indiscriminadas no han hecho más que contribuir a aumentar el sentimiento de desesperación de muchos en Gaza (y fuera de ella), ofreciendo así un terreno siempre fértil para la radicalización de diversos sectores.
Resulta de interés observar que muchos analistas y comentaristas en estos días han pasado por alto el hecho que en el mes de mayo del 2017, el ala más moderada del Hamás aceptó modificar sus estatuto reconociendo un territorio palestino que se circunscriba a las fronteras de 1967 tal y como reconocidas por la comunidad internacional (véase por ejemplo esta nota de prensa de El País del 2017, y este muy completo análisis elaborado por el Observatorio de la Política Internacional de la Universidad de Costa Rica – UCR).
La sostenida política de asentamientos israelís que colonizan de manera totalmente ilegal el territorio palestino en Cisjordania constituye, desde el 2017, una verdadera provocación que socava todo esfuerzo de acercamiento entre Israel y Palestina y, claro está, contribuye a la precitada radicalización.
Con respecto a este último aspecto, cabe indicar que desde diciembre del 2022, fue formalmente iniciado un procedimiento consultivo ante la Corte Internacional de Justicia (CIJ) sobre dos preguntas relacionadas a la política ilegal de colonización de Israel llevada a cabo en los últimos años en Cisjordania, y fomentada por sus actuales autoridades: remitimos al respecto a nuestros lectores a nuestra nota titulada “América Latina ante solicitud de opinión consultiva a justicia internacional sobre la situación en Palestina: breves apuntes sobre insólito voto en contra de Costa Rica”.
Ante el probable aumento vertiginoso de pérdidas de vidas humanas en Gaza que continuará observándose en los próximos registros de Naciones Unidas en los días venideros, y las desgarradoras imágenes de familias palestinas desesperadas llorando el dolor de ver sus seres más queridos sin vida o gravemente heridas, es posible que el repudio contra Israel sea aún mayor en las diversas opiniones nacionales del planeta, en particular en algunos Estados árabes, y más específicamente en algunos de ellos que consideraron oportuno “normalizar” en años recientes sus relaciones con Israel. Desde un punto de vista estratégico ¿no será que el Hamás le tendió a Israel una trampa en la que pareciera haber caído?
El autor:
Dr. Nicolas Boeglin.
Nicolas Boeglin, es Profesor de Derecho Internacional Público, Facultad de Derecho, Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR)
Based on the age-old humanistic traditions and principles of the Turkmen people, proceeding from friendly, fraternal and good neighborly relations, as well as in order to continue the noble humanitarian activities of providing humanitarian aid to the Afghan people with the assistance of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship, due to the strong earthquake that recently occurred, according to the Order of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, humanitarian aid was sent to Afghanistan.
On 11 October of this year, a cargo consisting of medicines and medical supplies, textiles and food products was delivered to the fraternal country.
This aid to people affected by the natural disaster on 7 October 2023 in the Afghan province of Herat was another expression of deep respect for the people and leaders of the fraternal country, as well as evidence of the high principles of humanism held by the Turkmen nation.
On the 21st of September, in the historic city of The Hague, the Ambassador of Chile, H.E. Mr. Jaime Moscoso Valenzuela, hosted a grand reception at Stadspaleis, marking the 213th anniversary of Chile’s independence. The event was a remarkable gathering, attended by an impressive number of ambassadors, Dutch civil servants, members of the business community, heads of international organizations, Chileans and friends of Chile. This celebration of Chile’s rich history and its strong international partnerships was a testament to the enduring friendship between Chile and the Netherlands.
The evening commenced with the solemn playing of the national anthems of both Chile and the Netherlands by singer Macarena Pizarro and Rodrigo Cortez on the guitar. Ambassador Moscoso Valenzuela then delivered an insightful speech that highlighted the robust bilateral relations between Chile and the Netherlands, as well as their shared objectives and values.
H.E. Mr. Arnoldo Brenes Castro, Ambassador of Costa Rica, Dayana Perez Fernandez, Counsellor Dominican Republic Embassy, H.E. Mr. Jaime Moscoso Valenzuela, Ambassador of Chile, Dr. Mayelinne De Lara, Diplomat Magazine’s publisher, H.E. Mr. Juan Bautista Duran, Ambassador of the Dominican Republic and the Ambassador of Finland, H.E. Mr. Ilkka-Pekka Antero Similä.
The Ambassador emphasized that Chile and the Netherlands are like-minded countries, united by common principles such as democracy, the rule of law, and human rights. They also share commitments to sustainable development, climate change, and the promotion of a feminist foreign policy, among other important global issues. These shared values have been essential in addressing the current global challenges and threats faced by both nations.
One of the key areas of bilateral cooperation between Chile and the Netherlands is climate change. The countries are actively working together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote the sustainable management of water resources, and accelerate the transition to clean energy, particularly through the production of green hydrogen. To advance this agenda, a Bilateral Strategic Cooperation Agenda has been established to create a Green Hydrogen corridor from Chile to the port of Rotterdam, serving as the primary gateway to Europe.
The Ambassador of the Republic of Angola, H.E. Ms. Maria Isabel Gomes Godinho de Resende Encoge, the Ambassador of Kenya, H.E. Ms. Margaret Shava, the Ambassador of Tanzania, H.E. Ms Caroline Chipeta, the Ambassador of Cameroon, H.E. Ms Madeleine Ondoua, the Ambassador of Nigeria, H.E. Dr Eniola Ajayi, the Ambassador of Cote d’Ivoire, H.E. Mr. Diarrassouba Mifougo Youssouf, the Ambassador of Ireland, H.E. Mr. Brendan Rogers and the ambassador of Ghana, H.E. Mr. Francis Danti Kotia.
In line with this initiative, Dutch investors and public authorities have made multiple visits to Chile to explore opportunities for collaboration in the field of green hydrogen. High-level meetings have been a consistent feature of this growing relationship, including meetings between President Gabriel Boric and Prime Minister Mark Rutte at the CELAC-EU Summit in July 2023, as well as visits by Chilean Ministers of Energy and Transport, Mr. Diego Pardow to the Netherlands to engage with Dutch authorities and stakeholders.
Moreover, Chile has played an active role in various multilateral forums based in The Hague. Celebrations of the centenary of the Academy of International Law, the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Rome Statute, the launch of the OPCW Centre for Chemistry and Technology, and the successful completion of the destruction of declared chemical weapons have all served to underscore Chile’s unwavering commitment to international peace, justice, and multilateralism.
The Ambassador of Estonia, H.E. Mr. Lauri Kuusing, Ambassador Moscoso Valenzuela from Chile and the Director General of the OPCW, H.E. Mr. Fernando Arias.
The success of such diplomatic endeavors would not have been possible without the dedicated work of the Embassy of Chile, the Consulate General, and the ProChile Trade Office. Ambassador Moscoso Valenzuela also expressed gratitude to Chilean premium wineries Viña Montes and Viña Casas del Bosque for sponsoring the celebration, as well as to Leticia Balcarce, the talented chef behind the delightful Chilean empanadas served during the event.
As the evening drew to a close, Ambassador Moscoso Valenzuela invited all attendees to raise their glasses and toast to Chile, echoing the sentiment of the entire gathering: “Viva Chile!”
Rodrigo Cortez on the guitar and Macarena Pizarro, singer.Chef Leticia Balcarce
The celebration of Chile’s 213th Independence Day in The Hague was not just a commemoration of history but also a celebration of the enduring friendships, shared values, and promising collaborations that continue to strengthen the bonds between Chile and the Netherlands. It was a night filled with abundance, joy, and the promise of a brighter future built on the foundation of strong bilateral relations and mutual respect.
In a vibrant celebration of history, culture, and diplomatic ties, the Embassy of Uruguay in the Netherlands recently hosted “Uruguay Week” to commemorate the 198th anniversary of Uruguay’s Declaration of Independence. This week-long extravaganza, held in Utrecht, The Hague, and Voorburgh, showcased the rich tapestry of Uruguayan heritage, complete with cultural, academic, and diplomatic events. The event was not just a reflection of Uruguay’s national pride, but also an opportunity to strengthen international connections.
Diplomatic Roots of Uruguay Week
At the heart of this week-long celebration was the spirit of diplomacy. Uruguay, a nation known for its commitment to international law and cooperation, used this occasion to further solidify its diplomatic relationships with the Netherlands and the broader international community.
His Excellency, Álvaro González Otero, the Ambassador of Uruguay to the Netherlands, played a pivotal role in organizing each of the activities, ensuring that the essence of Uruguayan culture and history was conveyed to the Dutch and international community.
Literary Enlightenment: Celebrating Three Literary Giants
The week kicked off with a literary Seminar in collaboration with Chile and Argentina. Titled “Three women, three countries, one language: Alfonsina Storni, Gabriela Mistral, and Juana de Ibarbourou,” this seminar held in The Hague set the tone for the week. Ambassadors from Argentina and Chile, Mr. Mario Oyarzabal and Mr. Jaime Moscoso, joined Ambassador Gonzalez Otero in presenting opening remarks. The event celebrated the literary giants shared by these three Latin American nations and marked a historic occasion as the first simultaneous event of this kind hosted by three Latin American embassies in The Hague.
Professor María de los Angeles “Cuca” Esteves, Dra. Sylvia Puentes de Oyenard, the Ambassador of Uruguay Álvaro González Otero, the Ambassador of Chile, Jaime Moscoso Valenzuela, Charge d’affaires of Argentina, Diego Emilio Sadofschi and the academician Ricardo Cuadros.
The joint seminar aimed to explore the profound impact of three remarkable women on the literary landscape of their respective countries and the world. Argentinian Professor María de los Angeles “Cuca” Esteves, Chilean academic Ricardo Cuadros, and the Uruguayan writer Dra. Sylvia Puentes de Oyenard were the featured speakers. Their presentations delved into the works, lives, and legacies of Alfonsina Storni, Gabriela Mistral, and Juana de Ibarbourou. They helped to set in Latin America a new era related to women´s rights and development, as much incentivized international environmental concerns
Adding a melodious touch to the event, Ilein Bermudez, a Venezuelan musician, graced the gathering with his music. The room was filled to capacity, and attendees engaged in vibrant discussions with the participants, fostering an environment of intellectual exchange and cultural appreciation.
Science Meets Poetry in Utrecht
The literary journey continued in Utrecht with a conference on “Science and Poetry” by Dra. Sylvia Puentes de Oyenard in association with the Cervantes Institute. This event was a testament to Uruguay’s dedication to intellectual pursuits and the arts. Dra. Puentes de Oyenard’s lecture explored the intricate interplay between science and poetry, offering attendees a unique perspective on how these seemingly distinct disciplines can harmoniously coexist and estimulate each other.
The Director of the Cervantes Institute, Mr. Luis García Montero,
Dra. Sylvia Puentes de Oyenard and H.E. Mr. Álvaro González Otero.
Given the diverse audience, simultaneous translation from Spanish into English was provided, ensuring that the message reached all attendees effectively. The Embassy further delighted the audience by offering traditional Uruguayan empanadas and wines, allowing participants to savor the flavors of Uruguay while engaging in intellectual discourse.
The literary presentations came to a close on August 31 in the city of Voorburg with a symposium on the renowned Uruguayan authors: Juana de Ibarbourou and Mario Benedetti. The Hispanic Association of The Hague, led by Edith Bergansius, played a crucial role in bringing this cultural event to life. The audience consisted of Dutch individuals who are Spanish speakers, as well as expatriates residing in the Netherlands.
Dra. Sylvia Puentes de Oyenard at The Hispanic Association of The Hague.
Attending the symposium on Uruguayan authors: Juana de Ibarbourou and Mario Benedetti. In the picture the Ambassador or Uruguay, Dra. Sylvia Puentes de Oyenard and the President of The Hispanic Association of The Hague, Edith Bergansius.
The Ambassador of Ecuador, H.E. Mr. Andres Teran Parral and his spouse Maria Rosa, the soprano, Sara de los Campos, Dra. Sylvia Puentes de Oyenard, Professor María de los Angeles “Cuca” Esteves, H.E. Mr. Álvaro González Otero, Ambassador of Uruguay and the President of The Hispanic Association of The Hague, Edith Bergansius.
The symposium was enriched by the presence of the accomplished soprano, Sara de los Campos. Her captivating performances of two poems by Juana de Ibarbourou and Mario Benedetti, “The Orange Seller” and “I Love You,” were met with enthusiastic applause. This 19-year-old Uruguayan singer demonstrated immense talent and garnered admiration from all in attendance.
The one-person conferences by Dr. Sylvia Puentes de Oyenard and her participation in the symposium were met with high praise from a diverse and knowledgeable audience. The symposium served as a fitting conclusion to the literary component of Uruguay Week, underscoring the significance of these literary giants in Uruguayan and Latin American culture.
Diplomacy and International Law: Ratification of a Convention
H.E. Mr. Álvaro González Otero and Mr. Jules van Eijndhoven, Head Treaties Division, Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs – ratification of the Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in Civil or Commercial Matters.
Friday, September 1, marked a significant moment in Uruguay’s history as the country ratified the Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in Civil or Commercial Matters at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This reaffirmed Uruguay’s commitment to international law and its role in the global legal landscape. The act not only bolstered Uruguay’s reputation for respect and contributions to international law but also highlighted the country’s commitment to cooperation and adherence to international legal principles.
A Grand Celebration of Independence
At 6 o’clock that evening, the celebration of Uruguay’s 198th Anniversary of Independence began with a diplomatic reception at the Uruguayan residence. The event was attended by a diverse group of dignitaries, including ambassadors, Dutch officials, representatives from international organizations, such as the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the International Criminal Court (ICC), and the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH). Prominent Dutch business executives, members of the academic and cultural community, and members of the Uruguayan community also graced the occasion.
National Day of Uruguay – Ambassador’ speech.Uruguay National Day
The national anthems of the Netherlands and Uruguay were performed live, setting the stage for a night of celebration. The highlight of the reception was the enchanting performance by soprano Sara de los Campos, who left an indelible mark with her captivating voice. Attendees commended her remarkable talent and heartfelt rendition of the national anthems.
This was a combined event, as right after the diplomatic reception at 8 o’clock, the first “Fiesta de la Nostalgia” ever celebrated in the Netherlands took place. The attendees embraced the Uruguayan “Night of Nostalgia” with music, dancing, and a sense of camaraderie, replicating the spirit of Uruguayan Independence Day celebrations.
A Taste of Uruguay
Uruguayan cuisine took center stage during the celebrations. The menu included grilled meat sandwiches with chimichurri (Uruguayan steak), spinach empanadas, canapés, miniature desserts shaped like the country’s map, dulce de leche and coffee mousse, portions of chajá dessert, and a selection of Uruguayan wines. The attendees were captivated by the rich flavors and unique culinary offerings, with the grilled steak emerging as a standout favorite.
Participants praised the national cuisine and beverages served during the prolonged celebration, recognizing the effort to provide a truly Uruguayan experience.
A Night to Remember
Uruguay National Day and the Uruguayan “Night of Nostalgia.
Attendees joined the Uruguayan “Night of Nostalgia,” enjoying music, dancing, and camaraderie until late into the night. Ambassador González Otero recreated the Uruguayan tradition that takes place every year on the celebration of the country’s independence.
In Uruguay, the night of August 24 holds special significance as it precedes the Declaration of Independence holiday on August 25. This evening is known as “Noche de la Nostalgia,” and it is marked by an explosion of festivities across the country. Discos, nightclubs, and tents come alive with the melodies of the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s. Through a carefully curated playlist of international music, authentically incorporating elements from diverse cultures, and specially selected traditional oldies, the attendees danced for several hours.
Their joy, energy, and affection contributed to the success of the event and highlighted the values of friendship, respect, and the much-needed pursuit of peace.
A Remarkable Conclusion to Uruguay Week
The commemoration of Uruguay’s independence and the inaugural “Night of Nostalgia” in The Hague marked the conclusion of Uruguay Week. It was a week that exceeded all expectations, serving as a testament to the enduring power of culture, diplomacy, and international cooperation.
Uruguay Week showcased the unity of nations through literature, music, diplomacy, and gastronomy, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Uruguay’s cultural heritage.
Early in 2014, after Russia annexed Crimea, there were quite a few people who dismissed criticism of Putin.
“You have to understand that the Crimea was never really part of Ukraine, that traditionally, historically it is part of Russia”, and so on. It was accepting a bully’s action because the alternative, outright war with Russia, didn’t bear contemplating. The German Der Spiegel called them ‘Putin Versteher’, people who understand Putin, not really in the sense of fully agreeing with him, but seeing and accepting his logic.
Today we have ‘Hamas Versteher’, people who accept Hamas’ argument that last Saturday’s atrocities were the natural reaction of Israel’s ‘crimes’ against the Palestinians’, that it is natural for people whose land is occupied, who are deprived of their future and their hopes to protest in this way, that they are doing this to give Palestinians a future.
The arguments are as false as a halal pig. Hamas has never given a hoot either for the Palestinians on the West Bank, nor of those within Gaza. And to be clear, Gaza is not occupied. Since 1979 it has been autonomous in name and since 2005, after Ariel Sharon decided to withdraw from the strip unilaterally, also in practice.
From that moment on Gaza could have become a prosperous enclave on the Mediterranean. It has beautiful beaches, straddles both Israel and Egypt and enjoyed considerable goodwill internationally. It could have been a wonderful success story. Its borders then were not closed, there were no walls or fences. It was not to be. In 2006 free elections were held and the people of Gaza chose Hamas, an organisation that in its charter calls for the extinction of the State of Israel. Hamas became a very harsh and cruel regime that treated its citizens even worse than the corrupt leadership of the Palestinian authority in the West Bank. Time and time again it has attacked Israel, resulting in retaliations that have hurt and killed thousands of people. It has caused more Palestinian casualties than Israel during its entire existence. This caused Israel and Egypt to close the enclave in an attempt to control the goods going in and check for weapons. Hamas reacted by building a tunnel network, using funds from international donors that was meant to develop its infrastructure and economy.
By its words and its deeds Hamas is a terrorist organization, officially branded as such by many countries. It has used its own people as human shields, it has successfully used prisoners and the bodies of fallen Israeli soldiers as bargaining chips and has now captured almost one hundred and fifty Israelis, most of them civilians including small children and people in their dotage. They did this for the same reason, but also to put pressure on Israel by threatening to ceremonially murder them.
The current action has nothing whatsoever to do with how Israel treats Palestinians in the West Bank. Yes, the way Israel’s actions on the West Bank can rightfully be criticized in many ways, but Hamas has never done a single thing that indicates they are interested in the well-being of the residents of the West Bank. They just use it as a red herring. Hamas and its admitted paymaster Iran are worried that as a result of the Abraham Accords, they have lost the limelight on the world scene and see Russia’s war on Ukraine as a good opportunity.
The ‘West’ is giving so much aid to Ukraine, that their armories may now be too empty to support Israel. It is also their opportunity to put a spoke in the wheel of negotiations for peace between Saudi Arabia and Israel. Hamas knew it would cost the lives of hundreds, perhaps thousands of their citizens, have many buildings and crucial infrastructure in the Strip destroyed, but they just don’t care. They want international attention, they want condemnation of Israel at any cost.
In the next days, weeks, or even months, prepare for pictures from Gaza of dead babies, crying mothers, corpses pulled from under the rubble, and lying talking heads on all the news services. Starting with countries, news outlets, and publications that are openly or covertly enemies of Israel, you’ll start hearing complaints of disproportionate reactions by Israel, even of genocide. Yet, they were quiet or ‘understanding’ when Hamas attacked, murdered, and abducted more than a thousand civilians.
Hamas Verstehers beware. You are not helping, you are supporting pure evil.
The world has witnessed a brutal escalation of conflict in the Middle East, with Israel and Hamas locked in a deadly and devastating confrontation. The situation has raised grave concerns worldwide as the toll of casualties continues to rise, and both sides grapple with the consequences of this renewed hostilities.
The roots of this recent conflict can be traced back to the ongoing tension between Israel and Palestine, a conflict deeply entrenched in historical and geopolitical complexities. However, the situation reached a critical juncture when Hamas, a militant group in Gaza, launched a massive attack on Israel Saturday October 7. This attack, described as the largest in years, resulted in a staggering loss of life, with over 600 people killed and more than 2,000 injured.
In response to the gravity of the situation, Israel took an unprecedented step by officially declaring war for the first time since 1973. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously stated that Israel was “at war” in response to the attacks, but the decision by the Israeli security cabinet marked a significant escalation in the conflict. This declaration authorized “significant military activities,” as confirmed by Netanyahu’s office.
The declaration of a state of war by Israel came as a direct response to the massive attack and the subsequent invasion of its territory carried out by Hamas. Hamas, widely regarded as one of the most dangerous militant groups in Palestine, is no stranger to conflict with Israel. However, the scale and intensity of this recent attack have shocked the international community, resulting in a grave humanitarian crisis with over 500 military and civilian casualties reported.
As the conflict intensifies, the world watches with growing concern, hoping for a swift and peaceful resolution to the hostilities. The toll on innocent civilians caught in the crossfire underscores the urgent need for dialogue, diplomacy, and international cooperation to address the root causes of the Israel-Palestine conflict and pave the way for a lasting peace. The road ahead remains uncertain, but the hope for a peaceful resolution to this protracted conflict remains undiminished.
In the wake of the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas, expressions of support for Israel have reverberated across the globe. In The Hague, capital of the Netherlands and home to the International Court of Justice, several manifestations in support of Israel have already taken place. These gatherings of hundreds of people represent a tangible demonstration of solidarity with Israel during these challenging times.
Furthermore, many countries around the world, including the United States, have issued statements affirming their support for Israel. The United States, a longstanding ally of Israel, has reiterated its commitment to Israel’s right to self-defense while expressing concerns about the loss of civilian lives and calling for restraint. This stance reflects the complex dynamics of international relations in the region and the United States’ role as a key mediator in efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.
The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with hopes for de-escalation and the resumption of peaceful dialogue. As global leaders and organizations grapple with the complexities of the conflict, the expressions of support for Israel and calls for a peaceful resolution underscore the urgency of finding a path toward lasting stability and security in the region.
On October 5, 2023, an extraordinary event unfolded at the official residence of the Ambassador of Peru in Wassenaar. The Embassy of Peru in the Netherlands, in collaboration with The Arts Society of The Hague, orchestrated a memorable evening that left a lasting imprint on all those fortunate enough to attend. The star of the night was none other than Dr. Edward de Bock, a true global authority in the realm of Moche art, archaeology, and Peruvian pre-Columbian history.
Dr. Edward de Bock’s lifelong passion for archaeology and Peruvian pre-Columbian civilizations was ignited at a tender age of nine when he stumbled upon an article in his older brother’s encyclopedia. Fast forward to the present day, and his dedication to this field has resulted in an unrivaled expertise that has made him a global authority in the realm of Moche art.
The Ambassador of Greece, Ms. Caterina Ghini, Dr. Edward de Bock, the Ambassador of Peru, H.E. Ms. Marisol Agüero Colunga, H.E. Mr. Andrea Perugini, Chairman of The Arts Society of The Hague and the General Director of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Ambassador Fernando Arias.
Her Excellency Marisol Agüero Colunga, the Ambassador of Peru, warmly welcomed a select group of attendees. Among the distinguished guests were the General Director of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Ambassador Fernando Arias and his wife Patricia, the Ambassador of Greece Caterina Ghini, members of The Arts Society of The Hague, the visiting Chairwoman of the Nerja Arts Society in Spain, Helen Sijsling, credited Arts Society Lecturer Jane Choy, among others. Special thanks to the staff of the Peruvian Embassy and to Mrs. Bente Nielsen, Board Member and Special Events Manager of the Arts Society of The Hague.
Ambassador Agüero Colunga’s opening remarks set the stage for what was to be an evening of intellectual enlightenment and inspiring insights into the world of Moche art. Dr. Bock then took the stage, captivating his audience from the very beginning with his profound knowledge and contagious enthusiasm.
Dr. Edward de Bock and the Ambassador of Peru, H.E. Ms. Marisol Agüero Colunga.
The presentation on Moche art was hailed as “one of the most complete” ever witnessed, and it’s not difficult to understand why. Dr. Bock’s expertise and captivating presentation style brought the intricacies of Moche art to life. He went into topics such as the cosmic order and regeneration, remarkable archaeological discoveries, and ongoing excavations that continue to reveal new facets of this ancient civilization.
Dr. Bock’s lecture explored the significance of various elements in Moche art, including the involvement of women in regenerating civilization, the roles of priests, and the symbolism of animals like pumas, snakes, and catfishs. He also highlighted the concept of the past, present, and future coexisting in a continuous cycle within Moche art. Questions, applause, the night was too short for such an abundance of knowledge, passion and dedication; the audience participated in every word and the fascination for Moche art became collective.
Dr. Edward de Bock’s Master Lecture on a Pre-Columbian Culture of Peru at the residence of Peru.
As Dr. Bock spoke, his audience was transported to a world where the rich history and symbolism of Moche art seemed to come alive before their eyes. Images and drawings of unique handmade portrait-pottery, delicate gold masks and impressive archeological remains like the tomb of the Lord of Sipan -a Moche king-, expertly presented by the speaker, provided a visual feast, further enriching the experience.
The evening was punctuated with questions and applause, as the audience was left wanting more of Dr. Bock’s wisdom. The fascination for Moche art became a shared collective experience, transcending the boundaries of time and space.
H.E. Mr. Andrea Perugini, Chairman of The Arts Society of The Hague
His Excellency Andrea Perugini, Chairman of The Arts Society of The Hague, offered profound words of gratitude to Dr. Bock for his unwavering dedication to his field, who managed to captivate the audience and who skilfully transmitted his passion and engagement for the Moche Art and culture in Peru. He also extended his appreciation to Ambassador Agüero Colunga for orchestrating the conference, the exceptional warn hospitality and perfect organization in her beautiful residence and recognized Diplomat Magazine for its continuous support to The Arts Society of The Hague. As a token of appreciation, a complimentary membership in the association was presented to the magazine’s publisher.
Following the lecture, lively conversations continued during a reception that lasted for hours. Guests had the opportunity to savor the delights of Peruvian cuisine, complemented by the iconic Pisco Sour cocktail. Many of the distinguished attendees left the residence expressing their strong desire to visit Peru to appreciate its museums, temples, and other Pre-Columbian archaeological remains.
In the end, the conference on Moche Art delivered by Dr. Edward de Bock will be remembered as a landmark event in the intersection of art, history, and archaeology. It was a night when an eminence in the field, driven by passion and dedication, illuminated the profound beauty and mystery of Moche art for all to see.
About Dr Edward de Bock:
Dr Edward de Bock
Born in Harlem Dr Edward de Bock has dedicated his whole life to research on Pre-Columbian Civilizations, mainly Moche Culture, which flourished in northern Peru during the Early Intermediate period. He obtained a Bachelor degree in Art History and Classical Archeology, a Master’s degree in Art History and Anthropology of the Pre-Columbian era of South America, Mesoamerica and the Prehistory of Europe and a PhD from Leiden University.
He has worked in many important cultural institutions among them the Wereldmuseum in Rotterdam, Paul Getty Museum in Santa Monica, California and Professor at the Saisbury Research Unit from Salisbury Center of Visual Arts, University of East Anglia, UK. Dr de Bock is author of numerous publications among them Human Sacrifices for Cosmic Order and Regeneration. Structure and meaning in Moche iconography, Peru.
An exhibition on the art and life of Frida Kahlo at the Drents Museum in Assen, Netherlands, took me back to Lahore, my hometown. I had seen Frida’s work in New York, but the show in Drents Museum introduced me to Frida’s multiple personalities and to that human being trying to keep her head up in the middle of a collapsing physical building.
It showed Frida’s zest for life, creativity, attention to detail in the design of dresses, corsets and shoes, a carefully constructed personality, symbols of self-love, losses, frustrations and global connections in the first half of the 20th century, love for men and women, breaking norms still unthinkable for many.
While touring Drents Museum, Frida became real. She reminded me of Amrita Shergil, the pre-independence bohemian artist who spent her final months in Lahore. Amrita is sometimes compared to Kahlo. The more she looked at the works of the two great artists, the more they seemed to me to be twins in two different corners of the world.
Growing up in a historic city like Lahore has its advantages; one is able to follow in the footsteps of those who lived there. In the Raj era and for a long time after independence, The Mall was an artistic, academic and literary center. Shergil lived right next to The Mall, at 23 Ganga Ram Mansion.
The last time I visited the place in June 2022, I sensed that Amrita was still in her studio, finishing one last painting. Kahlo spent much of his life in the Blue House, built by his father, Guillermo, a German who came to Mexico from Hungary after the death of his first wife and married the indigenous Matilde Calderón.
Amrita was born in Budapest in 1913, to a Hungarian mother and aristocratic Sikh father, and died young, at 28 years old. Frida Kahlo was born shortly before, in 1907, in Mexico City. Although Frida survived Amrita by two decades, she also died young, at 47. She left behind 200 paintings and sketches, including 55 self-portraits, and kept a diary with details that opened a window into her life. Amrita’s known works are 143. Initially she focused on nudes. Also self-portraits. Her work was mostly figurative. She wrote letters and articles explaining her work, because she understood the importance of clarifying it. Frida did it through her diaries and consciously built an image of her.
Frida suffered polio at the age of six and a devastating car accident at the age of 18. Despite her disabilities, her immense love for drawing can be seen in one of the photographs in the exhibition where she is in bed with an easel and a mirror especially placed on the roof that allowed her to work. Frida’s personality is a key part of Mexican soft power and culture.
Amrita’s father, Sardar Umrao Singh Majithia, was a scholar interested in philosophy, religion and photography. Frida’s father was also dedicated to photography. Amrita’s mother, Marie Antionette, was a musician and opera singer. Sardar married Marie Antionette after the death of his first wife. Sardar Majithia decided to return to the subcontinent in 1921. Here Amrita found his love for painting. She was taught by the British Hal Bevan-Petman. Shergil left India for Paris from 1929 to 1934 to study at the Ecole des Beaux.
At the Grand Salon in Paris her painting The Young Women won a prize and she became an associate of the Salon at the age of 18. She is sometimes described as a post-impressionist and one of the subcontinent’s first modern painters. Frida used Aztec and then Hindu mythology in her work. Frida’s work is full of symbolism from her roots, her life and her travels. Amrita, while she remained in the subcontinent, was able to identify with the land of her father. Her work depicts melancholic and lonely local female characters.
They called Kahlo a surrealist. That she “painted her own reality and not dreams.” Her work seems surreal with strange stories of a woman lying in blood, fluttering animals and dreamlike images. The two Fridas and The wounded table. They were exhibited in one of the first surrealism exhibitions in Mexico. Frida was a communist, but she led a privileged life with Diego Rivera. Amrita’s artistic concerns or empathy for the natives can also be seen in her privileged life experiences. Amrita was an elitist prodigy, but she struggled toward the end of her life by marrying her Hungarian cousin, Dr. Victor Egan, who failed in his medical practice. That was a period of creative dryness and marital problems for Amrita. They both decided to move to Lahore in 1941.
Amrita held her first solo exhibition in Lahore in November 1937. It showed 33 works and was organized by Dr. Charles Fabri, a Hungarian Indologist and noted art critic working for the Civil and Military Gazette. It was during this visit that Amrita saw the Lahore Museum and visited Harappa. This exposure likely led to her decision to move there.
Frida held her first major exhibition in 1938 at the Julien Levy Gallery in NY. Her unfulfilled desire to be his mother is reflected in several of her works, including The Henry Ford Hospital (1932). Kahlo died of pulmonary embolism; she suspected suicide. Shergil seemed to have avoided her motherhood; an abortion could have caused her premature death two months after arriving in Lahore. Frida became known to the world in the early 80s with a growing interest in feminism and decolonization, and even more so in this century. Amrita remained well-known in the artistic circles of the subcontinent, but she received much more attention towards the end of the last century and into this one.
With their mixed heritage and international exposure, both Amrita Shergil and Frida Kahlo invoked their “otherness.” Kahlo wore the Mexican tehuana and Shergil adopted the sari as a South Asian dress. Both Frida and Amrita have been posthumously re-explored and reinterpreted.
About the Author:
Suljuk Mustansar Tarar Ambassador of Pakistan. Photography courtesy of @MobeenAnsari
Suljuk Mustansar Tarar – is a career diplomat and the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. He also writes about contemporary art and architecture. His book All That Art, on Pakistani art & architecture was published in 2021. Ambassador Tarar can be followed on Instagram @suljuktarar & X @suljuk.
Focused on the core principles of cooperation and complementarity at the heart of the Rome Statute, the paper distils a range of integrated measures and policies that can bring about a paradigm shift in the relationship between the Office of the Prosecutor, national authorities and other accountability mechanisms , and victims and survivors of atrocities globally.
In highlighting the importance of stakeholder consultation on this policy, Prosecutor Khan stated, “Rather than viewing itself as the apex of the international criminal justice movement, my Office must embed itself as a hub at the center of our collective accountability efforts. To realize this objective, we cannot limit our aspirations to simply being an effective investigative and prosecutorial body.”
“We must establish ourselves as a strong and effective partner for national authorities, providing prompt and impactful assistance in addressing serious crimes falling within the scope of the Rome Statute cooperation regime, and demonstrating our relevance and value from multiple vantage points.”
The Office welcomes comments on the substance of the policy and encourages proposals as to how it may be enhanced. The Prosecutor emphasizes that partnerships and engagement are essential, including in developing the Office’s approaches to policy and practice.
Comments can be sent to OTP.Policies@icc-cpi.int by Monday, 13 November 2023, midnight, CEST . All input received by the deadline will be carefully considered in the internal review and revision process.
The Office welcomes comments from all stakeholders, whether States (Rome Statute Parties or non-Party States), civil society, regional and international institutions, academics, survivor groups or individual partners.
The Office of the Prosecutor is grateful for the interest and support of all partners for its activities and initiatives.
