President Gustavo Petro orders the expulsion of Israel’s diplomatic delegation and the termination of the Free Trade Agreement

Information from the Presidency of the Republic, Bogotá, October 1, 2025 

President Gustavo Petro Urrego announced this Wednesday, through his social networks, a series of measures in response to the detention, in international waters, of two Colombian citizens who were carrying out humanitarian solidarity activities for the Palestinian population in Gaza, on board the Global Sumud Flotilla.

The Head of State ordered the immediate expulsion of the entire Israeli diplomatic delegation in Colombia, considering that the continuation of its functions is incompatible with the principles of international law and with respect for the dignity of the Colombian people. Likewise, he announced the immediate denunciation of the Free Trade Agreement between Colombia and Israel, which will cease to be in effect.

The president warned that this constitutes a new international crime carried out by the Israeli government of Benjamin Netanyahu. In the face of this situation, decisions were made to protect all Colombians, affirm national sovereignty, and reject the violation of human rights.

He also instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to advance all corresponding legal actions before international bodies as well as within Israel’s own justice system, to demand the release of the citizens and compensation for the violations committed. The president further extended an invitation to international jurists and experts to join Colombia’s defence in this case, alongside the State’s attorneys.

In his message, the president recalled the warnings of philosopher Hannah Arendt, who in the 1950s warned of the persistence of totalitarianism in world politics. In this regard, he stated that “Hitler is alive in the politics of the world” and that, as Arendt affirmed, peoples must avoid becoming anesthetized in the face of contemporary forms of oppression, violence, and exclusion.

In response to the events involving the Global Sumud Flotilla, the Presidency of the Republic issued a statement rejecting any act that violates the physical integrity, freedom, and human rights of Colombian citizens abroad. Additionally, it demanded from Israel the immediate release of Colombian citizens Manuela Bedoya and Luna Barreto, in compliance with international law and applicable consular protocols.

With these decisions, the Government of Colombia reiterates its commitment to the defense of human rights, national sovereignty, and solidarity among peoples, while denouncing international crimes that threaten the life and dignity of individuals.

Official Statement 

Given the serious situation faced by compatriots Manuela Bedoya and Luna Barreto, detained by Israeli authorities while participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla, and in accordance with the principles of human rights protection and international law:

1. Colombia firmly rejects any act that undermines the physical integrity, freedom, and human rights of its citizens abroad.
2. We demand from Israel their immediate release, in compliance with international law and applicable consular protocols.
3. We make an urgent appeal to the international community, to human rights organizations, and to friendly nations, to exert diplomatic pressure to guarantee the life and safety of all members of the flotilla, in particular of our compatriots.
4. An aggressive action against the Flotilla — a civilian, humanitarian, and peaceful mission — would not only be a violation of international law but could also constitute a crime against humanity.

Colombia reiterates its solidarity with the Palestinian people and reaffirms its commitment to multilateralism, respect for international law, and global justice.

Translated by Tlaxcala