Published on November 1, 2023
Bolivia has become the first Latin American country to sever diplomatic relations with Israel, citing what it describes as “aggressive and disproportionate” military actions in Gaza. In response to the Israeli military offensive in Gaza, Bolivia has called for an immediate ceasefire and pledged to provide aid to the blockaded Gaza Strip.
Bolivia’s Decision:
Bolivia’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Freddy Mamani, announced the decision to cut diplomatic ties as a form of protest and condemnation against what it sees as Israel’s forceful military campaign in Gaza.
End to Blockade and Humanitarian Aid:
Bolivia’s government is also demanding an end to Israel’s blockade, which is hindering the entry of essential supplies like food and water into Gaza, causing severe hardship for the people living there.
Israel’s Response:
In response, an Israeli official, Lior Haiat, accused Bolivia of “surrendering to terrorism” and “aligning itself with the Hamas terrorist organization.” Hamas is designated as a terrorist group by many countries.
“Israel condemns Bolivia’s support of terrorism and its submission to the Iranian regime, which attest to the values the government of Bolivia represents,” Mr Haiat said in response.
Latin American Reactions:
Bolivia is not alone in its response. Chile’s President Gabriel Boric has recalled the country’s ambassador in Tel Aviv for consultations, condemning Israel for “unacceptable violations of International Humanitarian Law” in Gaza.
Chile’s President Gabriel Boric announced on Tuesday he was recalling the country’s ambassador in Tel Aviv for consultations “given the unacceptable violations of International Humanitarian Law that Israel has incurred in the Gaza Strip.”
“Chile strongly condemns and observes with great concern that these military operations – which at this point in their development entail collective punishment of the Palestinian civilian population in Gaza,” he wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro initially called for the expulsion of Israel’s ambassador but later stepped back from the comments.
Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva urged a ceasefire and expressed concern about the impact of the conflict on civilians, particularly children.
This development highlights growing international reactions to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, with several Latin American countries taking diplomatic steps against Israel.
Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva urged a ceasefire. Following reports of a new Israeli air strike in Gaza, Lula said on X: “It makes me sad to see 3,000 children die in the Gaza Strip in a war they did not claim. And the irresponsible people who made the war are now mourning the deaths of these children? Feeling the weight of things? We are seeing, for the first time, a war in which the majority of those killed are children. No one takes responsibility and we were not even able to produce a letter from the UN convincing the ceasefire. Stop! For the love of God, stop!”
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