In a bold move that has sent shockwaves through international relations, Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, the immediate expulsion of all remaining Israeli diplomats from Colombia. This drastic decision comes in direct response to Israel’s interception of an aid flotilla destined for Gaza and the subsequent reported detention of two Colombian humanitarian activists.
President Petro emphasized that two Colombian women, actively participating in solidarity efforts for Palestine, were allegedly apprehended by Israeli forces while operating in international waters. This claim forms a central point of contention in the escalating diplomatic crisis.
An official statement from the President’s office identified the detained women as Manuela Bedoya and Luna Barreto, confirming their involvement with the Global Sumud Flotilla. Bogota has unequivocally demanded their immediate and unconditional release.
For its part, the Israeli Foreign Ministry acknowledged the incident, stating that “several vessels” comprising the flotilla were “safely stopped” and their passengers were being escorted to an Israeli port. Details regarding the circumstances of the interception and detention remain disputed.
This latest diplomatic fallout follows President Petro’s decision last year to sever official relations with Israel. Despite this, four Israeli diplomats had continued to operate within Colombia, as confirmed by a source at the Israeli consulate in Bogota. Their expulsion now marks a complete diplomatic break.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), President Petro publicly declared the expulsion of “the entire diplomatic delegation of Israel,” vehemently labeling Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s actions as “a new international crime.”
Further compounding the diplomatic rift, President Petro also announced the immediate termination of the free-trade agreement between Colombia and Israel, which had been in effect since 2020.
President Petro has consistently been a staunch critic of Prime Minister Netanyahu, previously accusing him of “genocidal” actions. His strong rhetoric has also extended to former U.S. President Donald Trump, whom he labeled an “accomplice” in “genocide.”
Only last week, President Petro participated in a significant pro-Palestinian protest in New York. During his address, he controversially urged the U.S. military to “disobey” then-President Trump, highlighting his deep involvement and strong stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
In a direct consequence of these inflammatory remarks, Washington subsequently revoked President Petro’s visa, underscoring the serious repercussions of his public statements on international relations.