Colombia Expels All Israeli Diplomats Over Gaza Flotilla Interception

In a dramatic escalation of diplomatic tensions, Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced the expulsion of all Israeli diplomats from the country on Wednesday, condemning Israel’s naval seizure of a Gaza-bound aid flotilla as “a new international crime.”

The decision follows Israel’s military operation on Thursday, in which Israeli naval forces boarded multiple vessels carrying humanitarian activists after they refused orders to change course. Passengers reported being targeted with water cannons during the confrontation.

President Petro confirmed that two Colombian nationals were among those detained aboard the flotilla, describing them as “engaged in humanitarian activities in solidarity with Palestine.” He demanded their “immediate release” in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

“We expel the entire diplomatic delegation of Israel from Colombia,” Petro declared, citing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s actions as a violation of international law. 

In addition to the expulsion, Colombia has suspended its free trade agreement with Israel, signaling a major shift in bilateral relations.

Flotilla Carried Global Activists, Including Greta Thunberg
The flotilla—launched from Spain last month—carried over 300 activists from more than 40 countries, including prominent Swedish climate advocate Greta Thunberg, who was among those detained following the Israeli Navy’s intervention.

Israeli officials dismissed the mission as a “provocation” rather than genuine humanitarian aid, alleging the flotilla aimed to break Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza and indirectly support Hamas. Israel maintains that all aid to Gaza must be inspected and delivered via land crossings under its supervision.

International Backlash and Regional Solidarity
The raid sparked widespread condemnation, with protests erupting in cities across Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. Several nations, including Bolivia and Chile, have previously downgraded or severed ties with Israel over its conduct in Gaza—but Colombia’s move marks one of the strongest diplomatic rebukes from Latin America to date.

President Petro, a vocal critic of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, has consistently framed the conflict through a human rights lens, calling for an immediate ceasefire and unfettered humanitarian access.

U.S. Tensions Add to Petro’s Diplomatic Isolation
The expulsion comes amid growing friction between Petro and the United States. Last week, the U.S. revoked Petro’s diplomatic visa after he urged American soldiers to “disobey” orders during a speech at the UN General Assembly—a remark widely interpreted as a reference to potential U.S. military actions under a future Trump administration.

Despite this, Petro appears to be doubling down on his foreign policy stance, positioning Colombia as a leading voice for Palestinian rights in the Western Hemisphere.

What Happens Next?
With Israeli diplomats ordered to leave and trade ties frozen, Colombia-Israel relations now stand at their lowest point in decades. Meanwhile, the fate of the detained activists—including the two Colombians—remains under international scrutiny.

As global pressure mounts over Gaza, Petro’s actions underscore a broader realignment: humanitarian principles over traditional alliances.