Colombian President Gustavo Petro has announced the expulsion of all remaining Israeli diplomats following the interception of a Gaza-bound flotilla by the Israeli Navy, his office confirmed Wednesday.
Two Colombian nationals were reportedly aboard the seized vessels, which carried activists from more than 40 countries, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg. Petro demanded their immediate release, emphasizing that the Colombians were engaged in “humanitarian activities in solidarity with Palestine.”
In addition to the diplomatic expulsions, Petro said Colombia is suspending its free trade agreement with Israel.
Israeli authorities described the flotilla, which departed from Spain last month, as a “provocation” intended not to deliver aid but to support Hamas. The interception sparked international condemnation and protests in several countries.
Petro, who last week had his U.S. visa revoked after urging American soldiers to “disobey” President Donald Trump’s orders at the UN General Assembly, reiterated his support for humanitarian missions to Palestine.
