Gambiaj.com – (BOGOTA, Colombia) – In a decisive move, Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced on Saturday the suspension of coal exports to Israel, a measure that will remain in effect as long as the conflict in the Gaza Strip continues. This significant decision underscores Petro’s condemnation of Israel’s actions in the region.

“We will suspend coal exports to Israel until it stops the genocide,” Petro, a left-wing leader, declared on social media, reflecting his strong stance against the ongoing violence in Gaza.

Earlier, in May, Petro had already severed diplomatic ties with Israel, labeling Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government as “genocidal” in its handling of the Gaza conflict. This move was accompanied by the cessation of Colombian purchases of Israeli-manufactured weapons, previously a major source of armament for the South American country’s security forces.

A decree issued by Colombia’s Ministry of Trade and Industry clarifies that the coal export suspension will persist “until the interim measures ordered by the International Court of Justice as part of the implementation process are fully respected regarding the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip.”

The Colombian government has stated that the suspension will take effect five days after its publication in the official gazette, although it will not impact goods that have already received transport authorization.

Since taking office in 2022 as Colombia’s first left-wing president, Gustavo Petro has been a vocal critic of Israel’s military operations in Gaza, particularly following the October 7 attacks by the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas in southern Israel. Petro’s firm opposition to the conflict has now translated into concrete economic measures, reflecting his administration’s commitment to international humanitarian principles.