Hamas has praised Colombia’s decision to sever diplomatic ties with Israel, hailing it as a significant recognition of the ongoing suffering of the Palestinian people. In a statement released on Thursday, Hamas also urged other Latin American countries to follow Colombia’s lead and cut diplomatic relations with Israel, labeling the country as “a rogue and fascist entity that is continuing its crimes against our people.”
The move comes as a significant diplomatic blow to Israel, which historically enjoyed close ties with Colombia. However, relations between the two countries have been cooling since Gustavo Petro was elected president in 2022.
President Petro, a leftist leader, announced his government’s decision to break diplomatic ties with Israel, citing Israel’s actions in Gaza as “genocide” and drawing comparisons to Nazi Germany. He had previously suspended purchases of weapons from Israel.
Hamas has expressed its deep appreciation for President Petro’s stance, stating that it values his position highly. The decision to sever diplomatic relations underscores growing international condemnation of Israel’s treatment of Palestinians, particularly in Gaza.
The recent escalation of violence between Israel and Hamas, which erupted in May, resulted in widespread destruction and loss of life in Gaza. The conflict, which lasted for 11 days, left over 250 Palestinians dead, including 66 children, and 13 Israelis dead.
In response to Colombia’s decision, Hamas has called for solidarity from other Latin American countries. The group hopes that Colombia’s bold move will encourage other nations to stand in support of the Palestinian cause.
The Colombian government’s decision to sever ties with Israel is part of a broader shift in Latin American politics, with several countries in the region increasingly critical of Israel’s actions. President Petro’s decision reflects a growing trend of solidarity with the Palestinian people across Latin America.
Hamas has reiterated its commitment to continue fighting for the rights of Palestinians and to work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict with Israel. The group hopes that Colombia’s decision will pave the way for further international support for the Palestinian cause and pressure Israel to end its occupation of Palestinian territories.