Israel Criticizes South American Countries’ Diplomatic Moves Against Gaza Operations
Israel has expressed criticism towards Bolivia, Chile, and Colombia for their recent diplomatic actions in protest against Israel’s military operations targeting Hamas in Gaza. These South American nations, along with Argentina and Brazil, have intensified their condemnation of the civilian impact caused by Israel’s military activities.
Israel called on Colombia and Chile to explicitly condemn Hamas, stating that the terrorist organization had killed and abducted innocent civilians. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs made this plea shortly after both countries recalled their ambassadors to Israel, citing concerns over civilian casualties in Gaza.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry stated that it expects Colombia and Chile to support a democratic country’s right to protect its citizens and to call for the immediate release of all abductees. They also urged these nations not to align themselves with Venezuela and Iran, who have shown support for Hamas terrorism.
While Chile’s official statement did not mention Hamas, President Gabriel Boric addressed the issue separately, acknowledging that innocent civilians were the primary victims of Israel’s offensive. He emphasized Chile’s condemnation of Hamas attacks and kidnappings, stating that humanity cannot sustain itself through acts that dehumanize others.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has been more direct in his condemnation of Israel’s actions, using social media to denounce them as genocide. Petro accused Israel of attempting to remove the Palestinian people from Gaza and asserted that the head of the state committing this genocide is a criminal against humanity.
Israel had previously condemned Bolivia’s decision to sever diplomatic ties with the country, criticizing it as a surrender to terrorism and Iran’s regime. Although Hamas is a Sunni organization, it has developed closer ties with Iran, a Shiite powerhouse.
The recent diplomatic moves by these South American countries, all led by leftist leaders, coincide with increased criticism of Israel’s military activities from other nations in the region. Argentina, for example, condemned Israel’s attack on the Jabaliya refugee camp, expressing concern about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Argentina’s Foreign Ministry stated that while they recognize Israel’s right to self-defense and condemn Hamas’ terrorist attacks, it does not justify violations of international humanitarian law and the obligation to protect civilians during armed conflicts. Argentina also reported that 21 of its citizens are missing and presumed to be held hostage by Hamas, with nine Argentines killed in the conflict.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva joined the chorus of criticism, appealing to Israel to cease its bombing of Gaza. Lula expressed distress over the high number of children killed in the war and pleaded for an end to the violence.
The Simon Wiesenthal Center, a Jewish human rights organization, criticized Bolivia, Chile, and Colombia for their diplomatic actions. The center argued that Bolivia’s alignment with Iran was evident, suggesting that the breakup of diplomatic ties was not in the best interest of Bolivian citizens. They also noted that the recalls of ambassadors by Colombia and Chile seemed to be a coordinated action, pointing out the leaders’ historical disagreements with Israel.
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Associated Press writer Astrid Suarez contributed to this report from Bogota, Colombia.
