Colombia has expelled Israel’s entire diplomatic mission and canceled its free trade agreement with Tel Aviv after Israeli forces intercepted the Gaza-bound Sumud Flotilla carrying aid, detaining two Colombian citizens. President Gustavo Petro condemned the act as a violation of international law and accused Prime Minister Netanyahu of committing new international crimes. Petro also criticized former U.S. President Donald Trump for supporting Israel’s actions, further straining Colombia’s ties with Washington
In response to the attack on the Gaza-bound Sumud Flotilla and the seizure of humanitarian aid, Colombia has taken a hard line against Israel. President Gustavo Petro announced that all Israeli diplomatic representatives in Bogotá would be expelled, while the Free Trade Agreement between the two countries has also been terminated.
In a message posted on social media on October 1, Petro stated that intercepting the flotilla was a direct violation of international law and the Geneva Conventions. He also described Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s actions as a new form of international crime.
Earlier this week, after two Colombian citizens on board the flotilla were detained, Petro had announced the suspension of the free trade deal. With Wednesday’s declaration, the suspension has now been turned into outright cancellation.
This is not Petro’s only diplomatic offensive. Accusing former U.S. President Donald Trump of directly aiding the ongoing massacre in Gaza, he publicly demanded that Trump be sentenced to prison. He even raised the question in his cabinet: why has the United States not arrested Netanyahu under international law?
Last week in New York, outside the UN headquarters, Petro expressed solidarity with anti-Israel protesters and strongly criticized Trump’s policies. The U.S. State Department labeled his remarks “reckless and provocative” and revoked his visa. Since then, relations between Washington and Bogotá have been under unusual strain.