Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro has directed the establishment of an embassy in Ramallah, West Bank, according to Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo.
This move aligns with Petro’s criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza, leading to the closure of Colombia’s embassy in Tel Aviv earlier this month. Israel’s response included accusations of anti-Semitism against Petro. Relations between Colombia and Israel have been tense, with Israel halting security exports to Colombia.
The Colombian government’s aim in opening an embassy in Ramallah is to provide urgent and comprehensive protection for vulnerable populations in Gaza, including women, children, persons with disabilities, and the elderly. Ramallah, located in the occupied West Bank, functions as the administrative capital of the Palestinian Authority.
Colombia, Bolivia and Chile have cut ties with Israel
On May 10, the United Nations General Assembly overwhelmingly supported Palestine’s bid for full UN membership, recognizing its eligibility and urging the UN Security Council to reconsider the matter positively.
Israeli airstrikes in Gaza during the conflict have resulted in a death toll of at least 35,647 people, with 79,852 others wounded and thousands more presumed dead under the rubble. The assault was initiated after a Hamas-led attack in southern Israel claimed the lives of approximately 1,140 individuals.
Colombia joins other Latin American nations in taking diplomatic action concerning Israel. Bolivia terminated relations with Israel in late October last year, and other countries such as Chile and Honduras have recalled their ambassadors.
