Protesters in Colombia Rally Against Renewed Ties With Israel

Hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Bogotá, Colombia, on Wednesday to demonstrate against the government’s renewed diplomatic and economic relations with Israel and to show solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

The demonstration began outside the Israeli embassy in the Colombian capital, where protesters criticised the government’s decision to restore relations with Israel and condemned the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

The protesters also opposed President Abelardo de la Espriella’s decision to strengthen diplomatic ties with Israel, including plans to establish a new Colombian embassy in Jerusalem.

They carried Palestinian flags and marched in support of what they described as the rights, dignity and protection of the Palestinian people.

The protest took place on October 7, three years after the Hamas-led attacks on Israel in 2023 that triggered Israel’s subsequent military campaign in Gaza.

Protesters used the anniversary to renew calls for Colombia to maintain a tougher stance against Israel over its actions in the Palestinian territory.

One of the demonstrators, Nicolas Isaza, said Colombia’s previous decision to sever diplomatic relations with Israel had demonstrated that the country would not support what he described as atrocities against Palestinians.

He argued that the government’s decision to restore relations represented a major change in Colombia’s foreign policy and raised concerns among those who support the Palestinian cause.

President de la Espriella, who assumed office in August, had campaigned on a promise to establish closer relations with the United States and Israel.

His administration has presented stronger cooperation with both countries as part of its broader strategy to confront armed groups and address security challenges in Colombia.

The restoration of diplomatic relations marks a reversal of the policy adopted by former President Gustavo Petro, who was a vocal critic of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.

Petro had severed diplomatic ties with Israel and suspended Israeli arms imports during his administration.

The current Colombian government has also recognised Israel’s claim to sovereignty over the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, a decision made shortly after President de la Espriella took office.

The protests highlight the growing debate within Colombia over the country’s foreign policy and its relationship with Israel, particularly as the conflict in Gaza continues to generate strong reactions among supporters of the Palestinian cause.

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