Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced the suspension of coal exports to Israel in response to what he described as genocide in the Gaza Strip. The decision, shared via his account on X, marks a significant diplomatic move by Colombia, highlighting its stance against Israel’s military operations in Gaza. The Petro government stated that these actions by Israel violate imperative norms of international law, which are integral to Colombia’s constitutional framework. “We are going to suspend coal exports to Israel until the genocide stops,” President Petro declared in a brief message on social media, accompanied by a link to the decree issued by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism. The decree outlines that between January and August 2023, Colombia exported $350 million worth of coal to Israel. The suspension, which will take effect within five days, will remain in place until Israel complies with the provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
The ICJ recently called on Israel to halt military operations in Rafah, Gaza’s southernmost city. The decree stipulates that the suspension will remain until Israel fully complies with the ICJ’s provisional measures regarding the application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in Gaza. Colombia cited the escalation of military actions, Israel’s non-compliance with ICJ orders, and the worsening humanitarian situation as threats to international peace and security, thereby affecting Colombian national security. In his social media post, President Petro linked the suspension of coal exports to Israel’s actions in Gaza, reiterating his commitment to international law and peace. “We are going to suspend coal exports to Israel until the genocide stops,” he tweeted, sharing the official decree. This bold move aligns with Colombia’s historical support for the Palestinian cause. Recently, President Petro received the Great Necklace of the State of Palestine from Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, recognizing Colombia’s support for the Palestinian people.
According to the National Administrative Department of Statistics (DANE), Colombia is one of the primary suppliers of coal to Israel. In 2023, Colombia exported $447 million worth of coal to Israel. From January to April 2024, coal exports amounted to $88 million, reflecting a 57 percent decrease compared to 2023. Congressman Alirio Uribe backed President Petro’s decision, stating it aligns with the government’s commitment to defending peace and adhering to international laws and United Nations principles. The Colombian Mining Association (ACM) expressed concern about the suspension, emphasizing Israel’s significance as a trading partner. “This decision would not comply with international commitments by Colombia that should be respected and puts at risk the confidence of markets and foreign investment,” the ACM stated. The suspension could impact Colombia’s economy significantly, given that coal exports to Israel generate approximately $165 million annually in taxes, royalties, and other contributions.
President Petro’s decision has sparked a significant response, both domestically and internationally. On June 3, during a ceremony where he received the Great Necklace of the State of Palestine, Petro underscored Colombia’s moral duty to support the Palestinian people. “We cannot turn our backs on what is happening to the Palestinian people,” he said. “There is no ethical or moral reason that prevents us from raising our voices when we can.” The decree from the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism highlights that the suspension of coal exports is a direct response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The Colombian government emphasized that the current situation poses a risk to international peace and security, justifying the suspension of exports under international law. President Petro’s administration has consistently voiced support for Palestinian rights and condemned actions perceived as violations of international law.
The suspension of coal exports to Israel reflects Colombia’s broader foreign policy stance under President Petro, who has frequently aligned with global calls for justice and human rights. This move is part of a series of diplomatic actions intended to signal Colombia’s commitment to these principles, even at the cost of economic repercussions. The suspension will likely have significant implications for both Colombia and Israel, highlighting the intersection of international law, human rights, and economic interests.
In conclusion, Colombia’s suspension of coal exports to Israel is a significant diplomatic gesture in response to the conflict in Gaza. It underscores President Gustavo Petro’s commitment to international law and humanitarian principles, reflecting Colombia’s historical support for the Palestinian cause. While this decision may impact Colombia’s economic ties with Israel, it reaffirms the country’s stance on global human rights issues and its willingness to act in defense of these principles.
