Colombian President Gustavo Petro has ordered the opening of an embassy in the Palestinian city of Ramallah, Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo told reporters.
“President Petro has given the order to open a Colombian embassy in Ramallah to represent Colombia in Ramallah. This is the next step we must take,” Murillo said on Wednesday.
Murillo added that he believes more countries will soon support recognition of a Palestinian state at the United Nations.
Columbia breaks its ties with Israel
Colombia has already supported that effort. President Petro, who had already recalled Colombia’s ambassador from Tel Aviv earlier this month, said he would break diplomatic ties with Israel because of the Gaza war. The embassy decided to be closed on May 3.
Petro, a left-wing politician who came to power in 2022, is seen as part of a progressive wave known as the “pink tide” in Latin America. He has been one of the region’s most vocal critics of Israel since the war began.
Petro has harshly criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and called for his country to join South Africa’s lawsuit accusing Israel of genocide at the International Court of Justice.
The announcement came on the same day that Spain, Ireland and Norway announced on May 28 that they would jointly recognize the State of Palestine.
The intention to open an embassy in Palestine was announced last October 20, when Petro met with Israeli Ambassador Ghali Dagan and Palestinian Ambassador Rauf Al-Malki.
According to Murillo, the president also chaired a meeting of the heads of state and government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, where it was agreed to implement a strategy for Palestine to be recognized as a full state at the United Nations.
Colombia Joins Growing Movement
Colombia’s decision to open an embassy in Ramallah is in line with a growing international movement advocating a two-state solution and a Palestinian state.
Foreign Minister Murillo expressed confidence that other countries would soon follow suit. The development comes amid continuing tensions in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The recent escalation of violence in Gaza has reignited international debate about how to proceed. Colombia’s decision adds another voice to the chorus calling for a peaceful solution.
Reactions and possible impacts by Columbia’s Decision
The announcement was met with mixed reactions. The Palestinian Authority welcomed the move, with President Mahmoud Abbas thanking President Petro for his “historic decision”.
However, the Israeli government condemned the decision. Israeli officials accused Colombia of siding with “extremists” and endangering regional stability.
The long-term impact of Colombia’s decision remains to be seen. It could encourage other countries to follow suit and increase pressure on Israel to begin serious peace negotiations.
But it could also further isolate Israel and increase tensions in the region.
A Significant shift in Colombian foreign policy
The opening of the Colombian embassy in Ramallah marks an important shift in Colombian foreign policy. The success of this embassy will depend on Colombia’s ability to navigate the complex political landscape in the Middle East.
This will require a nuanced approach that balances Colombia’s commitment to a peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict with the need to maintain positive relations with other countries in the region, including Israel.
Colombia can play a valuable role in facilitating dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians. The embassy in Ramallah can serve as a platform for Colombia to engage with Palestinian leaders and civil society.
Colombia can also work with other countries in the region and the international community to support efforts toward a two-state solution.
The road to peace in the Middle East is long and difficult. The opening of the Colombian Embassy in Ramallah is a small but important step in the right direction.
Colombia’s commitment to peaceful resolution of conflicts and its ability to navigate complex regional dynamics will be crucial to the ultimate success of this effort.
