Protests in Bogota Against Colombian Government's Policy Towards Israel

Hundreds of people protested in Bogota, Colombia, on Wednesday against the government's policy towards Israel and the situation in Gaza. The demonstration was organized in response to President Abelardo de la Espriella's decision to restore diplomatic and economic relations with Israel, which had been severed by former President Gustavo Petro. Protesters gathered in front of the Israeli embassy, expressing their opposition to the government's actions, including the establishment of a new Colombian embassy in Jerusalem. The rally coincided with the three-year anniversary of the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023, which preceded Israel's military actions in Gaza. Nicolas Isaza, a participant in the protest, stated, "When diplomatic relations with Israel were broken off, the message was that we would not be a nation complicit in their atrocities." He criticized the current government's stance, saying it no longer opposes the actions in Palestine. President de la Espriella, who took office in August, has emphasized close ties with the US and Israel as part of his strategy to address domestic armed groups. The Colombian government has also recognized Israel's claim over the occupied Syrian Golan Heights shortly after de la Espriella's inauguration.