The Chancellery Colombia rejected the attacks launched by Israel on the city of Rafah, in the Gaza Strip, in the midst of the conflict in the Middle East. “This would have devastating consequences“said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“The government of Colombia condemns the attacks that are being carried out in the city of Rafah by Israel, and the threat of a ground offensive that has devastating consequences for the more than 1,400,000 people crowded into the city” , stated the Foreign Ministry in its X account.
He added that “the majority of these people have suffered several displacements since last October 7, and include at least 600,000 children. 110,000 people have received a new evacuation order and there is no certainty that their movement is safe and to places that guarantee them water, sanitation, food and basic services, while Israel has closed the Rafah crossing and the Kerem Shalom crossing, the main arteries for the entry of humanitarian aid.”
On May 7, Israeli troops took control of the Rafah border crossing in the Gaza Strip. This decision generated rejection from several countries, including Colombia.
Palestinians gather around the bodies of victims before they are taken away on April 2, 2024 following the Israeli bombing of a residential neighborhood in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip.
Photo:AFP
It should be remembered that this statement from the Foreign Ministry comes after the president, Gustavo Petro, announced on May 1 suspend diplomatic relations with Israel by arguing that Colombia cannot be on the side of genocide.
Colombia calls for negotiations that lead to a ceasefire
He added that “Colombia once again calls on the parties to achieve a negotiation that leads to a ceasefirethat allows the release of all the hostages and ends the suffering of the civilian population and complies with unrestricted respect for International Humanitarian Law.”
Finally, the Foreign Ministry affirms that “Colombia will not relent in insisting that only a substantive solution that involves the two-state solution is urgent and necessary and the ideal way to guarantee the right of Israel and Palestine to coexist in peace, with borders.” safe and internationally recognized, in accordance with the provisions of the resolutions adopted by the United Nations”.
LATEST NEWS EDITORIAL
