Latin America remains divided over Israel’s actions in Gaza. Yet, it is of note that Chile, Colombia, Honduras, Bolivia and most recently Belize joined a list of only 10 countries worldwide who have suspended diplomatic relations with or withdrawn ambassadors from Israel.
The other five countries in the world, according to Axios, included Chad and South Africa and the Muslim-majority nations of Turkey, Bahrain and Jordan.
Belize made the announcement on November 14 that it has withdrawn its ambassadors and canceled the accreditation of Israel’s ambassador in its country due to Israel’s “ unceasing indiscriminate bombing in Gaza.”
Chile recalled its ambassador to Israel on October 31, as Israel “doesn’t respect the fundamentals of international law.”
The President of Colombia likewise recalled his ambassador on October 31, “energetically rejecting the actions of the security forces of Israel in Gaza, in areas densely populated by civilians.”
The President of Honduras cited the “grave humanitarian situation and suffering of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip” when recalling its ambassador on November 3.
Bolivia severed diplomatic relations with Israel on October 31 in repudiation and condemnation of the “aggressive and disproportionate Israeli military offensive in the Gaza Strip that threatens peace and international security.”
While Peru hasn’t changed its diplomatic status with Israel, it condemned the actions of the state on November 1. It called for “respect of international law, in particular humanitarian international law and the international law of human rights to guarantee the protection of civilians.” The foreign ministry of Argentina spoke in similar terms, and the President of Brazil said that Israel is “killing innocent people without any criteria.”
Cuba issued a statement on November 6, saying, “Nothing can justify the grave violations of international human rights that they [Israeli security forces] are committing against Gaza.” Nicaragua and Venezuela have voiced similar sentiments.
Other Latin American countries have either refrained from giving a public opinion on the matter or voting in the UN, like Uruguay and the Dominican Republic.
Although the Panamanian people protested and called for a ceasefire, they were not supported by the Panamanian government.
At a press conference, [President of Costa Rica, Rodrigo] “Chaves lashed out at a journalist who raised the need for a stronger position in the face of the ‘genocide’ committed by Israel, rejecting the use of the term.” The President of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele, who is of Palestinian descent condemned Hamas in strong terms on October 8, with no subsequent comments on the matter.
Mexico, Paraguay, Guatemala and Ecuador have all encouraged active Israeli diplomatic activities in their countries in its stance of defense against Hamas.
IP Correspondent
