Colombia Bans Coal Exports to Israel in Response to Gaza War

The Colombian government announced a comprehensive ban on all coal exports to Israel, a move seen as a direct response to Israeli military operations against Palestinians, which Bogota describes as a violation of international humanitarian law and a threat to world peace.

The Argentine newspaper Infobae reported that the decision was signed by Minister of Trade, Industry, and Tourism Diana Marcela Morales Rojas; Minister of Foreign Affairs Rosa Yolanda Bellavisencio; Minister of Finance Herman Avila Plasas; and Minister of Mines and Energy Edwin Palma Ejea.

The government confirmed that the ban will remain in place until the provisional measures issued by the International Court of Justice are implemented or the circumstances that led to its imposition cease.

The newspaper noted that Colombia considers Israeli military operations to constitute serious violations of the laws prohibiting genocide, the use of force, and the protection of human rights, and that the lives and dignity of civilians, especially children and women, are a priority.