Hamas condemned the incoming Colombian government's intention to open an embassy for Bogota in the occupied Palestinian city of Jerusalem. The Palestinian militant group described the move as "an irresponsible decision and an infringement on the rights of the Palestinian people," according to a statement. Hamas called for an immediate reversal of the "dangerous decision," stating that it "contradicts the provisions of international law and UN resolutions." The group added that the plan represents "a retreat from the noble positions of the Colombian people in standing by just causes."
Hamas's Strong Rebuke
Hamas characterized the agreement between the Israeli Foreign Minister and the Colombian Foreign Minister-designate, aimed at fully resuming diplomatic and economic relations and opening an embassy in Jerusalem, as "irresponsible decision" and an "encroachment on the rights of the Palestinian people." The Palestinian militant group stated that the decision "يتعارض مع أحكام القانون الدولي والقرارات الأممية" (contradicts the provisions of international law and UN resolutions). Hamas reiterated its call for the Colombian government to "التراجع الفوري عن هذا القرار الخطير" (immediately retract this dangerous decision). The group further described the move as "تراجع عن المواقف النبيلة للشعب الكولومبي، في الوقوف إلى جانب القضايا العادلة" (a retreat from the noble positions of the Colombian people in standing by just causes).
Shifting Diplomatic Stance
The agreement to resume Colombian relations with Israel followed the victory of right-wing candidate Abelardo de la Espriella in the Colombian presidential elections last June. This development marks a shift from the previous administration's stance. Outgoing Colombian President Gustavo Petro had announced the cutting of diplomatic relations with Israel in May 2024. Petro’s decision at the time was made in response to what he termed the "genocide war" in Gaza. The incoming administration's move to restore ties and establish an embassy in Jerusalem signals a significant pivot in Colombia's foreign policy regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
International Law and Justice
Hamas asserted that Colombia's decision "يتعارض مع أحكام القانون الدولي والقرارات الأممية" (contradicts the provisions of international law and UN resolutions). The Palestinian militant group described the move as "قرارًا غير مسؤول، وتعديًا على حقوق الشعب الفلسطيني" (an irresponsible decision and an encroachment on the rights of the Palestinian people). Hamas urged the international community not to extend diplomatic cover to the Netanyahu government, noting its leader is sought by the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes. The group reiterated its call for "التراجع الفوري عن هذا القرار الخطير" (the immediate retraction of this dangerous decision), viewing it as "تراجع عن المواقف النبيلة للشعب الكولومبي، في الوقوف إلى جانب القضايا العادلة" (a retreat from the noble positions of the Colombian people in standing by just causes).
Broader Implications
Hamas described the agreement as "a retreat from the noble positions of the Colombian people in standing by just causes," referring to Colombia's historical support for such causes. The Palestinian militant group characterized the move as "an irresponsible decision and an encroachment on the rights of the Palestinian people." Hamas stated that the decision "contradicts the provisions of international law and UN resolutions." The group called for "the immediate retraction of this dangerous decision," urging the international community not to provide diplomatic cover to the Netanyahu government, noting its leader is sought by the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes.
