‘Collective punishment’ of people in Gaza, Bolivia cut ties with Israel

London: Bolivia has cut diplomatic ties with Israel over the ‘aggressive and disproportionate’ military offensive of the country in Gaza, Al Jazeera reported.

Deputy Foreign Minister Freddy Mamani of Bolivia told the press on Tuesday of his country’s strong response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Bolivia previously 2009 snapped ties with Israel protesting against its actions in Gaza and ties were restored only in 2020.

Following Bolivian response, its neighbours Colombia and Chile condemned civilian deaths in Gaza and recalled their ambassadors for consultations calling for a ceasefire.

Bolivia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Freddy Mamani said his country: “decided to break diplomatic relations with the Israeli state in repudiation and condemnation of the aggressive and disproportionate Israeli military offensive taking place in the Gaza Strip.”

Minister of the Presidency Maria Nela Prada announced humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Talking to the media, she demanded an end to the attacks saying that the war has ‘so far caused thousands of civilian deaths and the forced displacement of Palestinians.’

Latin America’s left-leaning countries have a long history of sympathizing with the Palestinian cause, noted Al Jazeera.

Chilean President Gabriel Boric announced the recall of his country’s Ambassador Jorge Carvajal.

Boric also wrote on social media site X that Israel is following the ‘collective punishment’ of people in Gaza, and added that Israel is committing “unacceptable violations of International Humanitarian Law”.

In a post on X, Colombian President Gustavo Petro termed the attacks a “massacre of the Palestinian people”.

Hamas welcomed Bolivia’s recalling of the envoy and asked Arab countries having ties with Israel to do the same.