Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in Colombia’s capital on Wednesday to voice opposition to the new far-right administration’s policies regarding Israel, condemning the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The protest specifically targeted President Abelardo de la Espriella’s decision to restore full diplomatic and economic ties with the Israeli state.
The rally began outside the Israeli embassy in Bogota, coinciding with the third anniversary of the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023, which were followed by what protesters described as a genocidal war on Gaza. Attendees criticized the administration for reversing the stance taken by former President Gustavo Petro, who had severed diplomatic relations and blocked Israeli arms imports.
“When diplomatic relations with Israel were broken off, the message was that we would not be a nation complicit in their atrocities,” said Nicolas Isaza, a participant in the demonstration. “Today our government is no longer drawing a line against the atrocities being committed in Palestine.”
President de la Espriella, who assumed office in August, had campaigned on strengthening alliances with the United States and Israel as a strategy to combat domestic armed groups. His government has already moved to recognize Israel’s sovereignty over the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, a move made just days after his inauguration.
Interesting how this mirrors US foreign policy shifts. I wonder if economic ties will actually change the situation on the ground?
The timing on October 7th really drove the point home. Solidarity with Palestine remains strong here.