ASIATODAY.ID, WASHINGTON – Colombian President Gustavo Petro stated that his country would end diplomatic relations with Israel because it was carrying out genocide in the Gaza Strip, Palestine.
“In front of you, the government of change, the president of the republic, declares that starting tomorrow, we will cut off diplomatic relations with Israel because it has a president who supports genocide,” said Petro in front of demonstrators in Bogota, Wednesday, May 1 2024.
Petro’s statement in front of demonstrators gathered in the Plaza de Bolivar square, Bogota, was greeted by cheers from many people waving Colombian flags.
Petro, who previously threatened to end diplomatic relations with Israel, was one of 18 heads of state who signed a statement initiated by the United States (US) demanding the release of 130 Israeli hostages some time ago.
The hostages are said to still be in the Gaza Strip following Hamas’ invasion of Israel on October 7 2023, to which Israel responded with massive ground aggression.
It has been more than 6 months since Israel launched its aggression on the Gaza Strip which caused large-scale infrastructure destruction and the deaths of tens of thousands of civilians.
More than 34,500 Palestinians were killed and 76,000 others injured as a result of Israeli attacks since October 7 2023. Most of the victims killed were women and children.
Israel also completely blockaded the Gaza Strip, causing Palestinian residents in the area, especially those still remaining in northern Gaza, to be threatened with starvation.
South Africa in December 2023 sued Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on charges of genocide. The ICJ’s interim ruling last January stated that Israel’s allegations of genocide in the Gaza Strip were justified.
Colombia in early April 2024, officially stated that it would join South Africa in this case. President Petro has also suspended arms sales to Israel. (ANT)
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