Colombian President Gustavo Petro has announced plans to sever diplomatic ties with Israel over its actions in the Gaza Strip, describing the Israeli government as “genocidal”. Petro, a left-wing leader who assumed office in 2022, has been a vocal critic of Israel and its handling of the situation in Gaza. He has accused Israel of committing genocide and has taken steps such as suspending weapon purchases from Israel in response to the violence.
In October, Israel announced it was halting security exports to Colombia after Petro compared Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant’s language to that used by Nazis. Gallant had referred to Palestinians as “human animals” during the conflict in Gaza, prompting Petro to accuse Israel of genocide. The conflict has led to thousands of Palestinian casualties and a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with concerns about a possible Israeli ground offensive.
Colombia’s decision to cut diplomatic ties with Israel comes amid growing international concern about the situation in Gaza. The country has also sought to join a case at the International Court of Justice accusing Israel of genocide. The UN has warned of a potential risk of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, citing the scale of Israel’s actions and the impact on the population. Israel has denied these accusations and criticized the reports as an “obscene inversion of reality”.
The Colombian government’s move to condemn Israel’s actions in Gaza reflects a broader trend in Latin America of progressive leaders speaking out against perceived injustices. Petro’s decision to sever diplomatic relations with Israel is seen as a bold stance in support of the Palestinian people. The situation in Gaza has drawn international attention and calls for accountability for any acts of genocide or human rights violations.
As the conflict in Gaza continues to escalate, with no immediate comments from the Israeli government on Colombia’s decision, the international community remains divided on how to address the crisis. The UN and human rights advocates have called for urgent action to protect vulnerable populations in Gaza, including women, children, and the elderly. The Colombian government’s intervention at the ICJ further underscores its commitment to seeking justice and protection for Palestinians affected by the violence in Gaza.
