Colombia breaks diplomatic ties with Israel citing genocide allegations

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has announced his intention to break diplomatic relations with Israel due to its actions in the Gaza Strip, Al Jazeera reports, a move that has been criticized by human rights advocates and experts who warn of the possibility of genocide. We do.

Addressing a gathering on International Workers’ Day in Bogota, Petro stressed the need for countries to take a proactive stance in response to the growing crisis in Gaza.

Petro announced, “Here before you, the Government of Change, the President of the Republic declares that tomorrow we will break diplomatic relations with the State of Israel… for a government, for a President that is genocidal.”

A staunch leader of the leftist faction, President Petro has emerged as a prominent figure in the Latin American political scene, having aligned himself with the progressive wave known as the “pink tide”. Since taking office in 2022, he has been a vocal critic of Israel’s actions, particularly in the context of the Gaza War, as Al Jazeera has reported.

The rift between Colombia and Israel deepened in October, when Petro condemned Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant’s rhetoric, which he compared to Nazis. Petro sharply criticized Gallant’s description of Gaza as being inhabited by “human animals” during a period of escalated conflict, resulting in Israel halting security exports to Colombia.

Subsequently, Petro increased his criticism and accused Israel of committing genocide in the besieged Palestinian territory. Such allegations were strongly condemned by Israeli officials and pro-Israel groups, further straining bilateral relations.

In a significant move, Colombia suspended Israeli arms purchases in February, citing concerns over the use of force against Palestinians in Gaza. Petro drew poignant parallels by invoking the ghost of the Holocaust as he condemned Israeli actions reminiscent of historical atrocities.

The latest announcement from the Colombian president comes amid growing fears over the possibility of an Israeli ground attack on the Gaza Strip’s southern city of Rafah. UN chief Antonio Guterres has cautioned against such an increase, warning of serious consequences for civilians caught in the crossfire.

The death toll from the conflict is staggering, with more than 34,500 Palestinians killed so far in Israeli military strikes. The Gaza Strip is facing a dire humanitarian crisis, which has been exacerbated by continuing violence and a devastating siege. According to Al Jazeera, experts warn of impending famine, underscoring the urgency of addressing the plight of the enclave’s residents.

Israel’s reaction to Colombia’s decision to break diplomatic ties remains unclear, as the government avoided immediate comment. However, Colombia’s quest for justice extends beyond mere diplomatic gestures, as it seeks recourse through international legal avenues.

In early April, the Colombian government petitioned the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to join a case alleging Israeli genocide against Palestinians. This step underlines Colombia’s commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of vulnerable populations in Gaza, especially women, children, persons with disabilities and the elderly.

The ICJ’s decision in January, acknowledging the potential risk of genocide faced by Palestinians in Gaza, lends credibility to Colombia’s pursuit of accountability. The findings of UN Special Envoy Francesca Albanese further validate these concerns, highlighting the serious nature of the Israeli attack on Gaza and its devastating impact on Palestinian life.

Israel has vehemently denied genocide allegations, dismissing Albanese’s report as a distortion of reality. Yet, amid mounting evidence and international scrutiny, the pursuit of justice for victims of the Gaza conflict remains an urgent imperative on the global stage, Al Jazeera reported.