Tensions rise as South American countries respond to Israel-Hamas war
South American countries are taking measures in response to the conflict in Israel. Gustavo Petro, the president of Colombia, has decided to recall its ambassador to Israel. Similarly, the president of Chile has recalled its ambassador for consultations. The Bolivian government announced on Tuesday that it is severing ties with Israel.
7:03 AM EDT, November 1, 2023
"I have decided to recall our ambassador to Israel. As long as Israel continues the massacre of the Palestinian nation, we cannot remain there," wrote Colombian President Gustavo Petro.
Also on Tuesday, Gabriel Boric, Chile's President, announced that his country was recalling its ambassador to Israel for consultations due to Israel's breach of international humanitarian law in the Gaza Strip.
"Chile strongly condemns and views these military operations with great concern," Boric wrote.
Three South American countries took steps on Tuesday concerning their diplomatic relations with Israel. The actions were justified based on the alleged commission of "crimes against humanity" by the Israeli military in the Gaza Strip.
This is not Bolivia's first decision of this nature. Reuters reported that the country previously severed diplomatic relations with Israel in 2009 under the administration of Evo Morales, in a show of protest against Israel's attacks on the Gaza Strip. The ties were reestablished in 2020 during the presidency of Jeanine Anez.
As reported by the Palestinian Authority's Health Department on Tuesday, at least 8,525 Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, including 3,542 children, have been killed since the onset of the conflict with Israel.
