Colombia will sever diplomatic ties with Israel over Gaza war
- In Reports
- 07:00 PM, May 02, 2024
- Myind Staff
Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced on May 1 that his government would sever diplomatic ties with Israel, effective May 2. This decision marks the latest development in the escalating tensions between the two countries amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Mr. Petro reiterated his characterization of Israel's blockade of Gaza as "genocide." He had previously halted the procurement of weapons from Israel and drew parallels between Israel's actions in Gaza and those of Nazi Germany.
During an International Workers' Day march in Colombia's capital, Mr. Petro announced, "Tomorrow, diplomatic relations with the State of Israel will be broken … for having a genocidal President." He emphasised the importance of supporting Palestine, stating, "If Palestine dies, humanity dies, and we are not going to let it die."
Israel's Foreign Minister Israel Katz responded to Mr. Petro's comments on platform X, condemning them sharply. He stated, "History will remember that Gustavo Petro decided to side with the most despicable monsters known to mankind who burned babies, murdered children, raped women and kidnapped innocent civilians."
Following the October 7 Hamas attack in southern Israel, which initiated the ongoing conflict in Gaza and resulted in approximately 1,200 casualties, Colombian President Gustavo Petro recalled the country's Ambassador to Israel.
This move came as President Petro criticised Israel's military actions in Gaza. Historically, Colombia had maintained close ties with Israel in Latin America. However, relations between the two nations have deteriorated since President Petro, Colombia's first leftist leader, assumed office in 2022.
Colombia employs Israeli-manufactured warplanes and machine guns in its efforts against drug cartels and rebel factions. Both nations entered into a free trade agreement in 2020.
Responding to recent tensions, Israel's Foreign Minister Israel Katz emphasised the historically warm relations between Israel and Colombia, stating that no antisemitic or hate-filled rhetoric from a President would alter this dynamic.
He asserted Israel's commitment to defending its citizens without hesitation or trepidation.
Colombia bolstered its military cooperation with Israel in the late 1980s through the acquisition of Kfir fighter jets. These aircraft were utilised by Colombia's air force in numerous operations targeting remote guerrilla camps, significantly weakening the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). The military strikes played a pivotal role in compelling the FARC to engage in peace negotiations, ultimately leading to the group's disarmament in 2016.
Image source: The Hindu
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