Colombia Severs Diplomatic Relations With Israel Over Gaza Conflict

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has announced that his government will sever diplomatic relations with Israel due to its actions in Gaza. This decision comes after Petro heavily criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and requested to join South Africa's case accusing Israel of genocide. Petro described Israel's siege of Gaza as "genocide" and denounced what he called "neo-Nazi" efforts to destroy the Palestinian people, freedom, and culpability. Colombia is the latest country to cut ties with Israel, following Bolivia which did so in November over its strikes in Gaza. This move marks a significant shift for Colombia, which has been a longtime security and trade partner of Israel's. Petro made the announcement in front of cheering crowds in Bogotá, Colombia, stating that "if Palestine dies, humanity dies."