Colombia Severs Diplomatic Ties with Israel Over Gaza

President Gustavo Petro announced on Wednesday that Colombia will sever diplomatic relations with Israel due to its actions in Gaza. He criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and sought to join South Africa’s case against Israel for alleged genocide at the International Court of Justice.

Addressing cheering crowds in Bogota during International Worker’s Day, Petro declared the decision, stating it was in response to Israel’s leadership being labeled as genocidal.

Petro emphasized that countries must not remain passive in the face of events in Gaza.

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz accused Petro of being antisemitic and full of hate, asserting that the move rewards the Hamas armed group, which led a deadly attack on Israeli military bases and communities on Oct. 7.

Bolivia severed ties with Israel at the end of October last year, while other Latin American countries like Colombia, Chile, and Honduras recalled their ambassadors.

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