Colombian President Gustavo Petro has announced that his country will cut diplomatic ties with Israel due to its actions in Gaza.
He criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and sought to join South Africa’s efforts in accusing Israel of genocide at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Addressing a crowd in Bogota gathered for International Worker’s Day and in support of his social and economic reforms, Petro announced the forthcoming diplomatic break, stating, “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 emphasized that countries cannot remain passive in the face of events in Gaza.
In response, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz accused Petro of antisemitism and hatred, describing the move as a reward to the Hamas group, which had orchestrated a deadly attack on Israeli military bases and communities on October 7.
The decision follows Bolivia’s similar move last year, with several other Latin American countries, including Colombia, Chile, and Honduras, recalling their ambassadors from Israel.
