In a significant move, Colombia has announced a ban on coal exports to Israel, the largest fossil fuel supplier to Israeli occupied territories, worth $450 million. President Petro’s decree comes in response to the humanitarian crisis in Palestine following Israel’s military operation, which resulted in the deaths of over 32,000 Palestinians, including thousands of women and children.
The decision has strained relations between the two nations, once strong trade partners. President Petro cited the seriousness of the situation in Gaza, prompting the ban until the International Court of Justice’s orders regarding the Gaza Strip are fully complied with.
This ban comes after President Petro condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza as “genocide,” leading to Israel suspending security exports to Colombia and the severing of diplomatic relations. The ongoing conflict has resulted in over 40,000 deaths and 92,000 injuries.
This bold and principled stance by Colombia exemplifies a commitment to human rights and international law, urging other nations to stand against violence and injustice.