Colombian president hails ICJ ruling against Israel

By Laura Gamba

BOGOTA, Colombia (AA) - The president of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, hailed Friday's International Court of Justice's (ICJ) ruling as a "triumph of humanity," demanding that Israel take all necessary measures to prevent genocide.

“Triumph of Humanity: Israel must prevent genocide,” Petro published on his X account, and went on to explain the implications of the six orders within the ruling pertaining to the Gaza bombardment.

In the ruling, the ICJ affirmed jurisdiction over the case submitted by South Africa, instructed Israel to prevent genocide and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, and release of hostages by Hamas.

In January, Colombia openly supported South Africa's legal action against Israel, citing alleged violations of the 1948 Genocide Convention during the Gaza war. Petro, an outspoken critic of Israel's Gaza bombardments, denounced the attacks as a "genocide," with reported casualties exceeding 26,000 Palestinians today.

In a letter dated Jan. 11, but released on Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on Petro to make “every possible effort” to help secure the release of the 136 people being held captive by Hamas on Oct. 7, including a Colombian citizen.

Among the captives is Colombian national Elkanah Bohbot, an Israeli citizen married to a Colombian national, Rebeca Gonzalez, with whom he has a daughter. Although Petro’s government granted him Colombian nationality in November, which was expected to facilitate his release, he has not been reunited with his family.

Netanyahu emphasized Colombia's shared cause with Israel for the immediate and unconditional release. Petro, as of now, has not addressed Netanyahu's appeal.​​​​​​​