Colombian President Gustavo Petro has declared intentions to sever diplomatic relations with Israel due to its actions in the Gaza Strip
Bogota: Colombian President Gustavo Petro has declared intentions to sever diplomatic relations with Israel due to its actions in the Gaza Strip, a move criticised by human rights advocates and experts who caution against the possibility of genocide, Al Jazeera reported.
Addressing a gathering on International Workers’ Day in Bogota, Petro emphasised the necessity for countries to take active stances in response to the escalating crisis in Gaza.
“Here in front of you, the government of change, of the president of the republic, announces that tomorrow we will break diplomatic relations with the state of Israel … for having a government, for having a president who is genocidal,” Petro declared.
A steadfast leader of the left-wing faction, President Petro has emerged as a prominent figure in the Latin American political landscape, aligning himself with the progressive wave known as the “pink tide”. Since assuming office in 2022, he has been a vocal critic of Israel’s actions, particularly in the context of the Gaza war, as reported by Al Jazeera.
The rift between Colombia and Israel deepened in October, following Petro’s condemnation of Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant’s rhetoric, which he likened to that of the Nazis. Gallant’s description of Gaza as inhabited by “human animals” during a period of heightened conflict elicited sharp rebuke from Petro, resulting in Israel halting security exports to Colombia.
