Colombia Appoints First Ambassador to Palestine Amid Ongoing Gaza Genocide
Bogota (Quds News Network)- Colombia has appointed its first ambassador to Palestine, nearly a year after suspending relations with Israel and announcing plans to open an embassy in Ramallah over the ongoing genocide in Gaza.
The appointed ambassador is Jorge Ivan Ospina, former mayor of Cali and a close associate of Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who has been critical of the Israeli assault in Gaza and said Colombians “deeply understand the genocide the Palestinian people are enduring.”
Ospina told AFP news agency that it remains unclear whether he will perform his duties from Ramallah or a neighboring country.
“We will need to discuss with Israel and determine the necessary steps to enable the establishment of the Colombian embassy in Ramallah,” he said.
Since the start of the Gaza war, Petro has implemented significant measures to oppose Israeli actions:
Coal Export Ban: In August 2024, Petro signed a decree banning coal exports to Israel, stating on social media, “Colombian coal is used to make bombs that kill Palestinian children.”
Suspension of Arms Deals: After a February 2024 massacre in Gaza that killed 118 Palestinians, Petro suspended arms purchases from Israel.
Diplomatic Break: In May 2024, Petro announced the termination of Colombia’s diplomatic relations with Israel, calling on other nations to take a stand against the genocide. At a Labor Day rally, he declared, “Tomorrow, we will sever ties with Israel because its government and prime minister are committing genocide.”
Petro has consistently called for international intervention to hold Israel accountable, urging global leaders to uphold justice and protect Palestinian rights. He criticized the United States for its unwavering support of Israel and its dismissal of the International Criminal Court (ICC) rulings.
Last year, Petro announced that his country would arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant if they enter Colombia, citing compliance with ICC decision after issuing arrest warrants over war crimes in Gaza. He stated that powerful nations are undermining international law and escalating global
