Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced the country will break diplomatic ties with Israel over the Israel-Hamas conflict, calling Israel's actions in Gaza "genocide." This move escalates tensions between the two nations, which have cooled since Petro became president in 2022. Colombia historically had close ties with Israel, using Israeli-made warplanes and weapons in its fight against drug cartels and rebel groups. Israel's Foreign Minister criticized Petro's decision, emphasizing Israel's commitment to defending its citizens. Petro made the announcement during an International Workers' Day march in Bogota.