Colombia Halts Arms Purchases from Israel

Colombia has suspended its arms purchases from Israel, protesting against the tragic incident dubbed the "aid massacre," which resulted in the deaths of over 100 Palestinians during a gathering for aid in northern Gaza.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro, expressing his dismay over the incident, likened the event to genocide, drawing parallels to the Holocaust while highlighting the international community's reluctance to acknowledge it as such.

This suspension comes in the wake of an Israeli military action that saw soldiers opening fire on a crowd in northern Gaza, aiming to receive aid, leading to over 110 casualties as per the Health Ministry in Gaza.

The ongoing conflict, which began on October 7, has already claimed over 30,000 lives in the besieged Palestinian territory.

An Israeli military official acknowledged a "limited" firing incident by soldiers who felt "threatened," albeit attributing the high casualty rate to a stampede where aid trucks accidentally ran over some individuals.

Colombia, a key importer of Israeli weaponry utilized by its military and police forces for decades in combating insurgents, now reevaluates its defense procurement strategy.

The country's arsenal, significantly comprised of Israeli firearms, anti-aircraft missiles, and o 20 Kfir aircraft, among other military hardware, underscores the depth of their defense ties.

Additionally, Colombia's defense infrastructure incorporates Israeli drones, helicopter operation equipment, and locally manufactured Galil rifles and Spike missiles under Israeli patents.

This bold stance by Colombia follows a diplomatic rift sparked by Brazilian President Lula da Silva's allegations of genocide by Israel in Gaza, reminiscent of the Holocaust.

President Petro's unequivocal support for da Silva emphasizes a collective stand for truth against barbarity, reflecting a growing international concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.