GAZA, (Palestine Foundation Information Center), The Hamas Movement on Thursday condemned an agreement between the Israeli government and Colombia’s incoming administration to restore diplomatic relations and open a Colombian embassy in occupied Jerusalem.
In a statement, the Movement described the agreement as “an irresponsible decision” that infringes upon the rights of the Palestinian people and represents a retreat from the Colombian people’s principled support for just causes.
Hamas urged Colombia’s incoming government to immediately reverse the dangerous decision, saying that it contradicts international law and relevant United Nations resolutions.
The Movement also called on the new administration not to provide diplomatic legitimacy or support to the government of Benjamin Netanyahu, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court over war crimes, at a time when Israel is facing growing international isolation over its crimes against the Palestinian people and others in the region.
Earlier Thursday, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar announced that he had reached an agreement with Colombia’s incoming foreign minister, Omar Bola Escobar, to fully restore diplomatic and economic relations and open a Colombian embassy in Occupied Jerusalem. The agreement was announced following a meeting between the two officials in Washington, DC.
Outgoing Colombian President Gustavo Petro severed diplomatic relations with Israel in May 2024 over Israel’s genocidal war in the Gaza Strip.
The agreement to restore ties follows the victory of right-wing presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella, who is considered close to Israel, in Colombia’s presidential election last June. He is scheduled to be inaugurated on August 7.
