Colombia expels all Israeli diplomats
President Gustavo Petro announced the measure after the Gaza flotilla seizure
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has announced the expulsion of all remaining Israeli diplomats following the interception of the Gaza flotilla by the Israeli Navy.
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.
READ MORE: Israeli navy intercepts Gaza-bound aid flotilla (VIDEOS)
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.