Colombian President Gustavo Petro declared the cessation of diplomatic relations with Israel, citing condemnation of Israeli actions in Gaza.
Petro’s announcement came during a spirited rally in Bogota on International Worker’s Day, where he also voiced support for social and economic reforms.
Petro’s criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu aligns with South Africa‘s accusation of genocide against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
He emphasized the need for countries to take proactive measures against events unfolding in Gaza.
In response, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz accused Petro of being “antisemitic and full of hate,” asserting that the move rewarded the Hamas armed group.
Katz referred to Hamas’s deadly attack on Israeli military bases and communities on October 7 as a basis for condemnation.
Colombia’s decision to sever diplomatic ties with Israel follows Bolivia’s similar action last year. Several Latin American countries, including Chile and Honduras, have recalled their ambassadors in response to escalating tensions in the region.
Petro’s bold move underscores growing international condemnation of Israeli actions in Gaza. It reflects a broader trend of countries taking a stand against perceived injustices and violations of human rights.
As diplomatic relations between Colombia and Israel come to an end, the global community continues to grapple with finding a resolution to the conflict in Gaza.
The termination of ties signals Colombia’s solidarity with those affected by the violence and its commitment to upholding human rights principles on the international stage.
