[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text dp_text_size=”size-4″]Bolivia has severed its official ties with Israel in response to the conflict in Gaza, while two other Latin American nations have called back their ambassadors from Tel Aviv for consultations.
Deputy Foreign Minister Freddy Mamani stated during a press conference on Tuesday evening that Bolivia made the decision to terminate diplomatic relations with Israel as a show of opposition and censure against the Israeli military’s aggressive and disproportionate actions in the Gaza Strip.
Furthermore, Minister of the Presidency Maria Nela Prada declared that Bolivia would provide humanitarian assistance to Gaza, emphasizing their demand for an end to the attacks in the Gaza Strip, which have led to a high number of civilian casualties and the forced displacement of Palestinians.
Neighboring countries Colombia and Chile also recalled their ambassadors for consultations, condemning the civilian casualties in Gaza and calling for a ceasefire.
Traditionally, left-leaning nations in Latin America have expressed support for the Palestinian cause, while right-leaning countries have often followed the lead of the United States.
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Chilean President Gabriel Boric took to a social media platform to accuse Israel of violating International Humanitarian Law and pursuing a policy of collective punishment against the people of Gaza. He also announced the recall of Ambassador Jorge Carvajal.
Chile is home to one of the largest and oldest Palestinian communities outside the Arab world.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro, also on a social media platform, characterized the attacks as a “massacre of the Palestinian people.”
Several other Latin American nations, including Mexico and Brazil, have called for a ceasefire as well.
Bolivia is among the first countries to announce the termination of diplomatic relations with Israel due to its actions in Gaza. This decision came after the armed group Hamas initiated an unprecedented assault on Israel, resulting in numerous casualties and captives. A significant number of Latin American citizens were among the casualties.
Hamas welcomed Bolivia’s decision and urged other Arab nations that have normalized relations with Tel Aviv to follow suit.
It’s worth noting that Bolivia had previously severed diplomatic ties with Israel in 2009 in protest of Israel’s actions in Gaza, with relations only being restored in 2020.
According to United Nations officials, the ongoing Israeli bombardment has left over 1.4 million of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents homeless. The death toll among Palestinians has risen significantly during the current conflict.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
