In a bold move, Colombian President Gustavo Petro declared on Wednesday the severance of diplomatic ties with Israel, denouncing its leadership as “genocidal” in light of the ongoing aggression in Gaza.
Speaking at a May Day rally in Bogota, President Petro announced the imminent termination of diplomatic relations with Israel, specifically targeting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his role in the conflict. Petro’s critical stance on the Gaza assault has been evident since its inception, with previous confrontations escalating tensions between the two nations.
In October, amid the early stages of the crisis, Petro accused Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant of employing rhetoric akin to Nazi propaganda regarding the people of Gaza. Israel responded by suspending security exports to Colombia, a move further exacerbating the diplomatic feud. Bogota, in turn, demanded the expulsion of Israel’s envoy from the South American nation.
President Petro, Colombia’s first leftist leader, has consistently condemned the actions in Gaza, equating them with Nazism and genocide. He emphasized the obligation of democratic nations to resist the resurgence of such ideologies in international politics. Petro’s suspension of Israeli weapons purchases earlier this year, following a tragic event in Gaza, underscores his commitment to denounce what he perceives as atrocities reminiscent of the Holocaust.
Colombia’s armed forces, long embroiled in conflicts with various factions, rely on Israeli weaponry and aircraft. However, Petro’s administration has taken a decisive stand against such alliances in the face of moral and ethical concerns.
This move by President Petro aligns Colombia with other nations critical of Israel’s actions in Gaza, notably Brazil, whose President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva similarly condemned the conflict as genocidal. Colombia and Brazil have supported South Africa’s appeal to the International Court of Justice, accusing Israel of violating the Genocide Convention with its actions in Gaza.
The severance of diplomatic ties marks a significant shift in Colombia’s foreign policy, signaling President Petro’s unwavering commitment to human rights and international justice in the face of global crises. As tensions continue to mount in the region, Colombia’s stance may reverberate across the international stage, influencing broader discussions on conflict resolution and humanitarian intervention.