Nicaragua Breaks Diplomatic Relations with Israel Amid Gaza Genocide; Palestine Praises the Move

Managua (Quds News Network)- Nicaragua has officially severed diplomatic relations with Israel, intensifying the country’s isolation on the global stage amid its ongoing genocide in Gaza. The decision was announced by Vice President Rosario Murillo on Friday, following a resolution passed by the Nicaraguan Congress after the one-year anniversary of the Gaza genocide on October 7. Murillo relayed the president’s directive to “sever diplomatic relations with the fascist and genocidal government of Israel,” emphasizing Nicaragua’s opposition to Israel’s assault.

Although the move is largely symbolic, given that Israel does not have a resident ambassador in Nicaragua, it marks a significant moment in the growing international scrutiny of Israel. The decision comes as the death toll in Gaza has exceeded 42,000, with additional casualties mounting from Israel’s bombing campaign in Lebanon over recent weeks. Nicaragua condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza and warned that the war now threatens Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Iran.

Latin American nations have increasingly voiced opposition to Israel’s war in Gaza, particularly in countries such as Brazil, Colombia, and Chile. Colombian President Gustavo Petro cut diplomatic ties with Israel in May, calling the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “genocidal.” Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva recalled his country’s ambassador to Israel the same month, drawing comparisons between the Gaza genocide and the Holocaust.

Nicaragua’s stance further aligns it with these critical voices in Latin America. Earlier this year, the Ortega government petitioned the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to halt German arms sales to Israel, but the court rejected the request.

Following Nicaragua’s announcement, the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) praised the decision, calling it a brave step toward isolating Israel. In a statement, Hamas commended Nicaragua for its commitment to the Palestinian cause and urged other countries to take a firm stance against Israel’s actions. The movement called on the international community to hold Israel accountable for war crimes and support the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also commended Nicaragua’s decision, viewing it as a reflection of the country’s sense of responsibility as a member of the international community. The ministry emphasized that Nicaragua is taking tangible steps to halt the ongoing aggression against the Palestinian people and others in the region, while affirming the rights of these populations to live in freedom, security, dignity, and peace.