Colombia to Establish Embassy in Palestinian City of Ramallah Amid Tensions

Colombia's President Gustavo Petro has ordered the opening of an embassy in Ramallah, escalating diplomatic tensions with Israel over its actions in Gaza. The move follows Petro's criticism of Israeli policies and his intention to join South Africa's genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.

Colombia's President Gustavo Petro has ordered the opening of an embassy in the Palestinian city of Ramallah, foreign minister Luis Gilberto Murillo told journalists on Wednesday.

At the beginning of this month, Petro, who has heavily criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and requested to join South Africa's case accusing Israel of genocide at the International Court of Justice, said he would cut diplomatic relations with Israel over its actions in Gaza. "President Petro has given the order that we open the Colombian embassy in Ramallah, the representation of Colombia in Ramallah, that is the next step we are going to take," Murillo said.

Ramallah serves as the administrative capital of the Palestinian state. Israel is retaliating against Hamas in Gaza - an enclave of 2.3 million people - over a brutal Oct. 7 attack by the Palestinian militants.

Israel's reponse has drawn heavy criticism, with aid access into southern Gaza been disrupted since it stepped up military operations in Rafah, a move that the U.N. says has forced 900,000 people to flee and has raised tensions with Egypt.

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