Colombia stops coal exports to Israel

Colombia has announced that it will stop its coal exports to Israel due to Israel’s military operations in the Gaza Strip.

President Gustavo Petro said on social media on Saturday that exports would be suspended until Israel stops its attacks on civilians in the Gaza Strip.

Colombia is one of the largest coal exporters to Israel. According to the Colombian government, 90 percent of the country’s coal exports went to Israel between January and August last year.

Colombia experienced an internal conflict involving left-wing guerrilla groups that lasted more than half a century. Israel provided military support and the two countries developed close relations.

Petro became Colombia’s first left-wing president in 2022.

He has repeatedly criticized the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Last month he announced that Colombia would break off diplomatic relations with Israel.

Left-wing governments in other Latin American countries have also taken steps to review their relations with Israel. Last year, Bolivia broke off diplomatic relations with the Middle Eastern country and Chile recalled its ambassador.