Colombian President Petro Breaks Ties with Israel, Supporters March for Reforms

Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced on Wednesday that his government will break diplomatic relations with Israel, effective Thursday, over Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip, which Petro has described as "genocide." The decision marks the latest escalation of tensions between the two countries.

Petro made the announcement during a march in Bogota, where tens of thousands of his supporters gathered to back his proposed reforms aimed at tackling inequality in Colombia. The demonstrations faced opposition from traditional parties and economic elites in the country.

Israel's Foreign Minister Israel Katz strongly criticized Petro's decision, saying that "history will remember that Gustavo Petro decided to side with the most despicable monsters known to mankind." Historically, Colombia had been one of Israel's closest partners in Latin America, but relations have cooled since Petro's election as the country's first leftist president in 2022.

Why this matters: Petro's decision to sever ties with Israel reflects a significant shift in Colombia's foreign policy under his leftist government. The move also highlights the growing international condemnation of Israel's actions in Gaza and the Palestinian territories.

Petro has heavily criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and requested to join South Africa's case accusing Israel of genocide at the International Court of Justice. According to Gaza's local health authorities, Israel has killed more than 34,000 Palestinians in a bombardment that has reduced much of the enclave to a wasteland since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack.

The United Nations has stated that more than one million people in Gaza face famine after six months of war. Petro condemned the violence and loss of life in Gaza, stating that "the times of genocide and extermination of an entire people cannot return" and that "if Palestine dies, humanity dies."

Petro also used the occasion to discuss the need for labor reforms in Colombia to address social inequality and improve working conditions, particularly for domestic and manual workers. The marches in support of Petro's reforms were peaceful, according to the head of the national police.

"The government of change will break ties with Israel for having a 'genocidal' president," Petro told the crowds in Bogota. Sources in Colombia say the foreign minister and other top officials were not notified of Petro's decision, which came as a surprise.

Key Takeaways

• Colombian President Petro announced breaking diplomatic ties with Israel over Gaza actions.
• Petro's decision reflects a shift in Colombia's foreign policy under his leftist government.
• Israel's Foreign Minister strongly criticized Petro's decision, calling it a siding with "despicable monsters."
• Petro condemned Israel's "genocide" in Gaza and requested to join South Africa's case at the ICJ.
• Petro also used the occasion to discuss the need for labor reforms in Colombia to address inequality.