Bolivia severs ties with Israel over “human rights violations” in Gaza

In a press conference yesterday, the government of Bolivia announced that the country has unilaterally cut ties with Israel over the attacks on civilians in Gaza, acts described by the Luis Arce administration as “human rights violations.” The presidency also announced the shipment of humanitarian aid to the war-torn region.

Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Freddy Mamani said Bolivia condemns “the aggressive and disproportionate Israeli military offensive” against Palestinians, adding that the diplomatic shift is based on “the principle of respect for life.”

Israel replied to the decision by saying Bolivia is ‘surrendering to terrorism and to the Ayatollahs’ regime in Iran” and “aligning with the Hamas terrorist organization.” 

Three weeks since the start of the conflict, the Palestinian death toll has reportedly exceeded 8,000, officials say.

Bolivia’s decision came after a meeting in La Paz between President Luis Arce and Palestine’s ambassador to Bolivia, Mahmoud Elalwani. Mr. Arce described the recent Israeli actions as “war crimes,” once again urging the UN Security Council to “prevent the genocide of the Palestinian people.” 

Bolivia has not been alone in condemning Israel, as fellow Andean countries Colombia and Chile recalled their respective ambassadors in the Jewish nation for consultations. The three countries are ruled by the left, which has historically been sympathetic to the cause of the Palestinians. 

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has been particularly vocal about the subject,  using his social media networks to criticize the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over 100 times since the start of the conflict. He even compared the Palestinians’ situation in Gaza with the Holocaust, leading to strong Israeli reactions.

As for Chile, which has the largest Palestinian community outside the Arab world, President Gabriel Boric reiterated his support for the Palestinian cause yesterday, “vehemently condemning” the Israeli operations that imply “collective punishment to the civilian population.”

Other Latin American nations, including the two biggest countries Brazil and Mexico, also called for a ceasefire in multiple instances.

In a recent General Assembly meeting at the UN, 120 countries approved a resolution calling for a humanitarian truce, with only Guatemala and Paraguay voting against it in the region, while Haiti, Panama, and Uruguay abstained. 

• Remember: How Latin America has reacted to the war in Israel

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