Colombia's Planned Embassy in Jerusalem Sparks International Condemnation

Colombia is set to reopen full diplomatic and economic relations with Israel and to open an embassy in Jerusalem, a policy shift announced by the incoming administration of President‑elect Abildardo de la Espira. The decision reverses the May 2024 move by former President Gustavo Petro, who cut ties with Israel in protest over the war in Gaza.

The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) denounced the plan, calling the embassy opening a violation of Palestinian rights and a retreat from Colombia’s historic support for the Palestinian cause. In a statement, Hamas urged the Colombian government to reverse the decision, saying it would give Israel political and diplomatic gains at the expense of the Palestinian people.

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) issued a similar condemnation, describing the move as illegal under United Nations resolutions on Jerusalem and warning that it could damage Colombia’s relations with OIC member states. The OIC called on Colombia to withdraw the embassy plan and to support a two‑state solution.