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Israeli military delegation arrives in Colombia for earthquake relief
An 82-member Israeli military delegation, known as ‘Brit Re’im’ (Alliance of Friends), has arrived in Cali, Colombia, to assist in search and rescue operations following a 7.4-magnitude earthquake. The delegation includes experts from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Home Front Command, engineers, medical professionals, and K9 rescue units. These teams are working alongside local responders to search for missing persons and inspect damaged structures, such as the Hospital Universitario del Valle, to determine their safety and serviceability.
The deployment has sparked significant political controversy within Colombia. While President Abelardo de la Espriella expressed gratitude to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the support, several political figures have demanded the immediate withdrawal of the troops. Legislator Santiago Osorio and former city councilor Carlos Carrillo criticized the presence of the delegation, linking the mission to the Israeli government's actions in Gaza and the political stances of IDF spokesperson Roni Kaplan.
Additionally, Representative María Fernanda Carrascal reported complaints from Pereira and Cali regarding the conduct of Israeli personnel, alleging that local volunteers have been sidelined and that military personnel are using heavy machinery indiscriminately. Former President Gustavo Petro also questioned the use of military personnel for humanitarian tasks, suggesting that Colombia requires civilian or medical aid instead of military involvement.
Entities
Abelardo De La Espriella · Benjamin Netanyahu · Cali · Colombia · Gustavo Petro · Israel Defense Forces · Roni Kaplan
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella thanked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his support following the earthquake. www.democratienouvelle.ca · www.prensa-latina.cu · www.telesurenglish.net
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Israeli delegation includes engineers who are inspecting damaged buildings to determine safety and serviceability. www.jforum.fr
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Israeli spokesperson Roni Kaplan stated that the soldiers are ‘soldiers of peace’ acting in accordance with international humanitarian law. www.democratienouvelle.ca
- [● 2 SOURCES] Colombian legislator Santiago Osorio demanded the withdrawal of Israeli troops, citing objections to the Israeli government's actions in Gaza. www.telesurenglish.net · www.prensa-latina.cu
- [● 5 SOURCES] An 82-member Israeli military delegation has arrived in Cali, Colombia, to assist in search and rescue operations following a 7.4-magnitude earthquake. www.jforum.fr · www.telesurenglish.net · www.democratienouvelle.ca · www.prensa-latina.cu
- [● 2 SOURCES] Former Bogotá city councilor Carlos Carrillo denounced spokesperson Roni Kaplan for his previous political statements regarding Gaza. www.telesurenglish.net · www.prensa-latina.cu
- [● 2 SOURCES] Representative María Fernanda Carrascal reported complaints from Pereira and Cali regarding the conduct of Israeli personnel and the sidelining of local volunteers. www.telesurenglish.net · www.prensa-latina.cu
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Former President Gustavo Petro criticized the use of military personnel for humanitarian work, suggesting Colombia requires civilian or medical aid instead. www.democratienouvelle.ca