Colombia has ordered the expulsion of all remaining Israeli diplomats from its territory, in response to Israel’s interception of the “Global Sumud Flotilla”, a humanitarian mission attempting to deliver aid to Gaza, and the reported detention of two Colombian nationals aboard the flotilla.
President Gustavo Petro said the detention of the two Colombians—identified as Manuela Bedoya and Luna Barreto—who were part of the flotilla’s crew, constitutes an “international crime.” According to statements from the Global Movement to Gaza, the women were detained after the flotilla reached a point about 150 nautical miles off the coast, in what the group called international waters.
Petro also announced that Colombia is denouncing the Free Trade Agreement with Israel, which has been in force since 2020. He ordered that any remaining diplomatic personnel of Israel must leave Colombia immediately.
Colombia claims that the Israeli navy interception and detentions violated international law and provisions of the Geneva Accords. Petro called for the immediate release of the detained Colombians and announced that Colombia’s foreign ministry is preparing lawsuits, including in Israeli courts, asserting legal responsibility for what Bogotá characterizes as a violation.
On the Israeli side, the military said the flotilla was approaching what it deemed an active combat zone and accused the vessels of violating a legal naval blockade. Israel asked that the ships divert to the port of Ashdod and stated that aid could still be delivered by established and verifiable channels.
The diplomatic move follows a broader pattern: Colombia, under President Petro, had already announced in May 2024 the severance of diplomatic relations with Israel, citing its actions in Gaza. However, four Israeli diplomats remained in the country until this expulsion order.
