Countries Sever Their Ties with Israel, Citing Conditions in Gaza

On Wednesday, Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced that his government will suspend diplomatic relations with Israel - its long-time defense ally. This makes Colombia the largest country to sever ties amid the ongoing war in Gaza. As Colombia's first leftist president, Petro labeled Israel's government and president as "genocidal".

Meanwhile, Turkey stated on Thursday that it had halted all trade with Israel until “uninterrupted and adequate humanitarian aid is allowed into Gaza,” signaling further deterioration in relations between the two countries.

In a statement, Turkey’s Trade Ministry said that exports and imports “for all products” would pause.

On Friday, the trade minister, Omer Bolat, said that the suspension would remain in place until Israel’s bombardment of Gaza stops.

Numerous countries worldwide have called on Israel to exercise more restraint in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Some nations have gone a step further by severing diplomatic ties or making other official protests. This highlights the growing dissent as the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, and calls for a ceasefire have intensified.

Israel has rejected temporary ceasefire proposals without the release of hostages but has agreed to humanitarian pauses in certain circumstances. Belize recently joined several Middle Eastern and African countries and some left-wing governments in Latin America in taking action against Israel's tactics. 

Belize has suspended diplomatic ties and withdrawn the appointment of its Honorary Consul in Tel Aviv, as well as its accreditation for Israel's ambassador to Belize. Meanwhile, Chile, Colombia, Honduras, and Bolivia have recalled their ambassadors to Israel, citing civilian deaths in Gaza and violations of international humanitarian law.

South Africa has recalled all its diplomats from Tel Aviv, citing Israel's refusal to respect international law and its "genocidal airstrikes" against Palestinians. Chad also recalled its chargé d'affaires to Israel and called for a ceasefire to address the Palestinian question. Additionally, Turkey, Jordan, and Bahrain have recalled their ambassadors to Israel, citing the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Gaza and Israel's refusal to heed calls for a ceasefire.

However, Israel has condemned Bolivia, Chile, and Colombia for their stances. Bahrain's government confirmed recalling its ambassador to Israel, and Israel evacuated its embassy in Bahrain last month for security reasons. Still, Israel denied being informed of any change in relations and claimed that relations between the countries were stable.