Colombian President Gustavo Petro has issued a threat to suspend diplomatic relations with Israel after Israel decided to halt military sales to Colombia in response to Petro’s position on Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
In a statement, Petro asserted, “If we have to suspend foreign relations with Israel, we will suspend them. We do not support genocides. The president of Colombia will not be insulted.”
Israel’s Foreign Ministry summoned the Colombian Ambassador to Israel, Margarita Manjarrez, for a reprimanding conversation following Petro’s statements. Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Lior Haiat accused Petro of making statements supportive of Hamas atrocities, fostering anti-Semitism, and threatening the peace of the Jewish community in Colombia.
Petro also called on Latin American nations to show genuine solidarity with Colombia in response to what he perceived as an insult from Israel.
He emphasized the need for assistance from the people of Israel in achieving peace in Palestine and the world, emphasizing Colombia’s independence, sovereignty, and commitment to justice.
Petro announced Colombia’s intention to send humanitarian aid to Gaza, hoping for support from Egypt. He also called on the United Nations to convene an extraordinary session of the General Assembly.
Israel’s decision to halt military sales to Colombia followed Petro’s refusal to condemn attacks by the Palestinian Hamas group and his comparisons between the situation in Gaza and the Auschwitz concentration camp during World War II. These remarks have drawn criticism from various political circles in Colombia regarding his foreign policy stances.
Later, Petro welcomed a statement by US President Joe Biden, who cautioned against Israel occupying Gaza, describing it as a mistake.
