Bolivia Cuts Ties with Israel Over Gaza Conflict

Bolivia has become the first Latin American country to cut diplomatic ties with Israel over what it describes as “aggressive and disproportionate” military actions in Gaza. The country has called for a ceasefire and pledged to provide aid to the blockaded Gaza Strip. However, an Israeli official has criticized the move, accusing Bolivia of “aligning itself with the Hamas terrorist organization.”

The decision to sever diplomatic relations was made by Bolivia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Freddy Mamani, who stated that it was a repudiation of the “aggressive and disproportionate Israeli military offensive” in Gaza. Bolivia also demanded an end to Israel’s blockade, which prevents the entry of essential supplies such as food and water. The Gaza Strip has been under an Israeli siege, with aid sporadically reaching people through Egypt’s Rafah crossing.

Lior Haiat, the Israeli official, condemned Bolivia’s support of terrorism and its alignment with the Iranian regime. Iran has been accused of providing support to Hamas, the organization behind the recent attacks in Gaza. While Iran’s leaders have celebrated the violence, they have denied direct involvement.

Bolivia’s decision to cut ties with Israel echoes similar steps taken by other Latin American countries. Chile, for instance, has strongly condemned the Israeli military operations in Gaza, stating that they amount to collective punishment of Palestinian civilians. Colombian President Gustavo Petro has also expressed concern and solidarity with the Palestinian population affected by the conflict.

The ongoing conflict has resulted in a significant number of casualties, with the majority being adults but also including around 3,500 children, as reported by the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza. Israel has been conducting airstrikes since the Hamas attack on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of 1,400 people and the taking of hostages.

The United States recently announced that 66 trucks were able to deliver aid to Gaza. However, charities warn that this will not be sufficient. Before the war, approximately 500 trucks would enter Gaza each day, according to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (Unrwa) commissioner-general, Philippe Lazzarini.

This is not the first time Bolivia has cut diplomatic ties with Israel. The country previously severed relations in 2009 under President Evo Morales in protest against Israel’s actions in Gaza. In a meeting with the Palestinian ambassador to Bolivia, President Luis Arce described Israel’s actions in Gaza as “war crimes.”

As Bolivia takes a strong stance against Israel’s military actions in Gaza, it joins other Latin American countries in calling for an end to the violence and the establishment of a ceasefire. The repercussions of this diplomatic move may have wider implications for the region and further escalate tensions in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.