The President of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, has decided to open an embassy in Ramallah, the city known as the administrative heart of the Palestinian Authority, announced the Foreign Minister of Colombia Luis Gilberto Murillo and attracted the attention of the international community, reports News.bg.
Murillo stressed that an increasing number of countries are moving towards recognizing Palestine as a state in the United Nations. Colombia is among those nations showing its support for Palestine's efforts to gain full membership in the United Nations. Murillo's move comes at a time of strong UN General Assembly support for Palestine, suggesting the Security Council views Palestine's bid for full membership favorably.
Earlier in the month, Petro took a hard line against Israel by recalling Colombia's ambassador from Tel Aviv. An action in response to Israel's operations in Gaza, which led to the closure of the Colombian embassy on May 3.
Petro's criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was sharp as he sought to bring Colombia into line with South Africa's legal action against Israel at the International Criminal Court, which accuses it of genocide. In response, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz accused Petro of anti-Semitism and harboring hatred stemming from Colombia's decision to cut diplomatic ties with Israel.
The latest development marks the opening of a new chapter in Colombia's foreign policy, demonstrating a commitment to supporting Palestinian statehood and adjusting its diplomatic position in the Middle East. The decision to open an embassy in Ramallah is a clear indication of Colombia's desire to play a more active role in international affairs, especially in support of causes it believes in.