Khaberni - Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced that he has ordered the expulsion of all remaining members of the Israeli diplomatic mission in the country following the commitment of an "international crime" by the Israeli forces intercepting the Steadfast Fleet carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Before this decision, there were only 4 Israeli diplomats remaining in Colombia after President Petro severed diplomatic relations with Tel Aviv last year, according to a Colombian source to the French Press Agency.
Petro, who has been in power since 2022, stated that Israel detained two Colombian women among the activists in the Steadfast Fleet while they were sailing in "international waters," demanding their "immediate release".
In 2024, Colombia severed its diplomatic relations with Israel in protest against the war in Gaza, but Tel Aviv maintained a consular representation in the South American country with 40 staff members including 4 Israelis who enjoy diplomatic status, according to the same Colombian source.
Petro emphasized in a statement his rejection of "any act that affects the physical safety of Colombian citizens abroad or their freedom or human rights." He also announced that he had decided to immediately cancel the free trade agreement with Israel.
The Israeli Navy intercepted on Wednesday "several ships" from the Steadfast Fleet which was approaching Gaza, including a ship that had the Swedish activist Greta Thunberg on board, after Israel directed the ships involved in the movement to change their course.
The "Global Steadfast Fleet," which set sail in early September from Spain, Tunisia, and Italy, includes about 45 ships carrying hundreds of activists supporting the Palestinians from more than 50 countries, carrying infant milk, foodstuffs, and medical supplies for the residents of the area, and asserts that it is on a "peaceful and non-violent mission."
