Colombia President Gustavo Petro Announces Cutting Diplomatic Ties with Israel Over War in Gaza

Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced on Wednesday his decision to sever diplomatic relations with Israel, citing the nation's actions in Gaza as the primary reason.

Addressing supporters in Bogota on International Worker's Day, Petro condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as "genocidal," promising to perform against what he saw as unacceptable aggression in Gaza.

Israel's Foreign Minister Israel Katz swiftly condemned Petro's announcement, labeling the Colombian president as "antisemitic" and accused him of siding with Hamas, the governing authority in Gaza.

Katz's remarks underscored the deepening divide between the two nations, despite assertions that bilateral relations would remain unaffected by Petro's decision, Reuters reports.

Meanwhile, Hamas expressed gratitude for Petro's stance, viewing it as a validation of their struggle against Israeli aggression.

South Africa has previously accused Israel of genocide, a charge vehemently denied by Israeli authorities.

The International Court of Justice has intervened, ordering Israel to take measures to prevent further bloodshed in Gaza.

Colombia's Shift in Policy

Gustavo Petro's move marks a significant departure from Colombia's previous stance on Israel, according to CNN.

Historically, Colombia maintained close ties with Israel, even being the largest overseas user of Israeli-made Kfir jet fighters.

However, under Petro's leadership, Colombia has adopted a more critical approach, aligning itself with other Latin American nations that have severed or suspended relations with Israel over its actions in Gaza.

Petro, a left-wing leader who rose to power in 2022, has been a vocal critic of Israel since the onset of the Gaza conflict.

His decision to sever diplomatic ties comes after months of escalating tensions and public sparring between Colombian and Israeli officials.

Colombia's condemnation of Israel's actions in Gaza is rooted in concerns over human rights violations and the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.

With more than 34,500 Palestinians killed and countless others displaced, the situation in Gaza remains dire, Aljazeera noted.

"Colombia's ultimate goal in this endeavor is to ensure the urgent and fullest possible protection for Palestinians in Gaza, in particular such vulnerable populations as women, children, persons with disabilities and the elderly," the Columbian government stated.

Petro's decision reflects Colombia's commitment to upholding international law and protecting vulnerable populations in conflict zones.

Regional and International Responses

Colombia's decision to sever diplomatic ties with Israel aligns with similar actions taken by other Western Hemisphere nations, including Belize and Bolivia.

Cuba and Venezuela have also severed ties with Israel in the past, signaling a broader trend of shifting alliances in the region, The Hill noted.

Despite criticism from some quarters, Petro's popularity has been on the rise domestically, indicating growing support for his administration's stance on international issues.

While Gustavo Petro's decision may have diplomatic repercussions, it underscores Colombia's commitment to defending human rights and standing up against injustice on the global stage.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Ross Key

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