Just three years after rebuilding relations in 2020… Chile and Colombia recall ambassadors
The South American country Bolivia declared severing diplomatic ties with Israel, which is carrying out an operation to eradicate the Palestinian armed political faction Hamas.
According to the Times of Israel, Bolivian Deputy Foreign Minister Freddie Mamani condemned Israel’s attack on the Gaza Strip at a press conference on the 31st (local time) and said, “Bolivia has decided to sever diplomatic relations with Israel.”
Israel is carrying out a large-scale retaliatory attack against the Gaza Strip, its base, after Hamas carried out the ‘Al-Aqsa Flood’ surprise attack on October 7. In addition to air strikes, ground operations have also been underway since the 27th of the same month.
Bolivia severed diplomatic relations with Israel in 2009 due to the invasion of Gaza, but reestablished relations in 2020, 10 years later. This is the first time that a specific country has declared severance of diplomatic ties with Israel since the outbreak of this conflict.
Since this conflict broke out due to a surprise attack by Hamas, the international community has condemned acts such as kidnapping of civilians, but is concerned that Israel’s retaliatory attacks will cause greater damage. In particular, there are concerns that the conflict could spread throughout the Middle East.
According to reports, on the same day, Bolivian Acting Foreign Minister Maria Nella Prada raised her voice, saying that Israel is “committing crimes against humanity by opposing the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.”
The Bolivian government’s position is that Israel must stop its attacks in the Gaza Strip. However, the Israeli leadership, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, made clear their opposition to the ceasefire.
In 2009, when Bolivia severed diplomatic relations with Israel, it was during the administration of President Evo Morales, who is classified as a leftist. Afterwards, relations were rebuilt under the right-wing government. Current President Luis Arce is evaluated as a leftist.
Meanwhile, Chile, also a South American country, summoned its ambassador to Israel, saying that the Israeli operation was in fact tantamount to joint responsibility for the Palestinian residents in the Gaza Strip. Colombia also began recalling its ambassador.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.