Colombia Names First Ambassador to Palestinian Territories
Colombia has appointed its first-ever ambassador to the Palestinian territories, marking a significant diplomatic step nearly a year after cutting ties with Israel.
Jorge Iván Ospina, a prominent political figure and former mayor, was officially named as Colombia's ambassador to Palestine on Monday, the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed in a statement carried by national news agency ANCOL.
The appointment underscores the Petro administration's firm stance on Middle East policy. President Gustavo Petro, Colombia's first leftist leader, had severed diplomatic relations with Israel in May 2024, accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government of committing 'genocide' in Gaza during the ongoing conflict.
Speaking after his appointment, Ambassador Ospina stressed the urgency of international attention on humanitarian issues in the Palestinian territories. 'The world cannot turn a blind eye to the suffering of civilians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank,' he said. 'No one should die from hunger or lack of medical care. Rehabilitation and global solidarity are urgently needed.'
Colombia's diplomatic move is likely to deepen its engagement in regional and humanitarian efforts while strengthening bilateral ties with the Palestinian Authority. The announcement also signals a broader shift in Latin American foreign policy, with several regional governments increasingly voicing criticism of Israeli military actions and advocating for Palestinian rights on the global stage.
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