Thousands of people have protested across Colombia against the government’s decision to open an embassy in West Jerusalem and restore diplomatic relations with Israel.
In the capital, Bogotá, students, activists and members of social movements marched while carrying Palestinian flags. They criticised President Abelardo de la Espriella’s foreign policy and opposed closer ties with Israel.
The demonstrations marked a nationwide mobilisation against the government’s approach to the conflict in Gaza and its broader domestic policies.
Protesters Condemn Colombia’s Policy Shift
Demonstrators carried banners reading “We are not your backyard” and chanted slogans against the president and Zionism. The protests coincided with the official opening of Colombia’s embassy in West Jerusalem on Wednesday. The move reverses a decision by the previous government to sever diplomatic relations with Israel in 2024.
De la Espriella, who took office in August, has moved to restore those ties. His administration has also reinstated a free trade agreement with Israel that former President Gustavo Petro suspended.
The changes represent a significant shift in Colombia’s diplomatic position towards Israel and the Palestinian issue.
Government Defends Renewed Ties With Israel
Foreign Minister Omar Bula attended the embassy’s inauguration in West Jerusalem. He described the move as a step towards strengthening relations between the two countries.
Bula said diplomatic relations “should never have been broken.” He also called Israel a strategic partner and said the embassy opening marked a concrete step towards fully restoring bilateral ties.
The government’s decision has drawn criticism from Palestinian officials, who argue that the move undermines international law and Colombia’s longstanding support for the Palestinian cause.
Saudi Arabia Also Criticises Embassy Opening
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry condemned the embassy’s inauguration. It described the move as a “blatant violation of international law and relevant international resolutions.”
The protests highlight the domestic and international opposition facing Colombia’s renewed engagement with Israel. They also reflect continuing public concern over the war in Gaza and the diplomatic decisions surrounding the Palestinian issue.
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