The Colombian President Gustavo Petro has expelled all remaining Israeli diplomats from the country, following the interception of the Gaza flotilla by the Israeli Navy.
Petro announced on Wednesday the expulsion of “the entire diplomatic delegation of Israel” over what he called “a new international crime” by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
Israeli naval forces boarded several boats on Thursday after activists refused orders to divert course. The passengers said they were targeted with water cannons.
RT reports: Petro’s office said two Colombian nationals were among those aboard the seized boats and demanded their immediate release.The Colombians were “engaged in humanitarian activities in solidarity with Palestine,” Petro wrote on X on Wednesday, adding that a free trade agreement with Israel is also being suspended.
The flotilla, which departed from Spain last month, carried activists from more than 40 countries, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, who was among those detained after Israel intercepted several boats on Wednesday evening.
Israeli officials described the flotilla as a “provocation” aimed not at delivering aid but assisting Hamas.
The operation drew international condemnation and sparked protests in several countries.
Last week, the US revoked Petro’s visa after he called on American soldiers to “disobey” President Donald Trump’s orders. He made the remarks while attending the UN General Assembly session in New York.