Bolivia announced the severance of diplomatic relations with Israel, citing the Israeli military's actions in the Gaza Strip. In a display of solidarity with Bolivia, neighbouring nations Colombia and Chile recalled their ambassadors from Israel to engage in consultations.

These three South American countries voiced their strong condemnation of Israel's military strikes in Gaza and expressed deep concern over the loss of Palestinian lives during the recent hostilities. This collective stance underscores their firm disapproval of the violence and the humanitarian toll it has taken.

During a press conference, Deputy Foreign Minister Freddy Mamani stated, "Decided to break diplomatic relations with the Israeli state in repudiation and condemnation of the aggressive and disproportionate Israeli military offensive taking place in the Gaza Strip."

The three nations have jointly issued a call for a ceasefire, with Bolivia and Chile advocating for the facilitation of humanitarian assistance in the affected area. They have also accused Israel of transgressing international law.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro characterized the attacks as a "massacre of the Palestinian people" in a message posted on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter). At the time of reporting, Israel's foreign ministry had not provided an immediate response to a request for comment.

Additional Latin American nations, including Mexico and Brazil, have likewise urged for a cessation of hostilities. "What we have now is the insanity of Israel's prime minister, who wants to wipe out the Gaza Strip," said Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Bolivia has taken the significant step of severing diplomatic relations with Israel, making it one of the first countries to do so over Israel's military campaign in Gaza. This decision comes in response to an attack in southern Israel on October 7, which Israel attributes to Palestinian Hamas militants. Israel asserts that this attack resulted in the deaths of 1,400 people, including children, and the capture of 240 individuals.

It's worth noting that Bolivia previously cut diplomatic ties with Israel in 2009 when left-wing President Evo Morales was in office, also as a protest against Israel's actions in Gaza. However, in 2020, during the tenure of right-wing interim President Jeanine Anez, Bolivia reestablished diplomatic relations with Israel.

"We reject the war crimes being committed in Gaza. We support international initiatives to guarantee humanitarian aid, in compliance with international law," Bolivian President Arce said on social media.

As per Gaza health authorities, Israeli attacks since October 7 have resulted in the loss of 8,525 lives, including 3,542 children. United Nations officials report that over 1.4 million Gaza residents, out of a civilian population of approximately 2.3 million, have been displaced from their homes.

The Israel military has accused Hamas, a group backed by Iran and governing the narrow coastal territory, of using civilian structures as shields for its fighters, leaders, and weaponry. However, Hamas refutes these allegations.

Image source: Reuters