Background on Key Figures and Context
Hamas: The Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, is a Palestinian organization that governs the Gaza Strip. It has been designated as a terrorist group by several countries, including the United States and the European Union. Hamas’s primary goal is to establish an independent Palestinian state and end the Israeli occupation.
Gustavo Petro: Gustavo Petro is the current President of Colombia, taking office on August 7, 2022. A former guerrilla member of the M-19 during Colombia’s armed conflict, Petro has been a senator representing the Colombia Comunes party since 2018. His political stance leans towards the left, advocating for social justice and human rights.
Hamas’s Support for Petro’s Decision
On Thursday, Hamas praised Colombian President Gustavo Petro’s decision to expel all Israeli diplomats from Colombia following the detention of two Colombian women aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla. The flotilla was intercepted in international waters while attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.
Hamas commended Petro’s government and President Gustavo Petro for taking a stand against “the criminal Zionist regime” and supporting Palestinian rights, especially amidst the brutal war in Gaza. The group called on Arab and Islamic countries, as well as the global community, to take necessary measures against Israel and pressure it to cease its crimes against the Palestinian people, land, and holy sites.
Details of the Incident
The two Colombian women were detained in international waters, according to Petro. In response, he announced the expulsion of Israeli diplomats and suspended the free trade agreement with Israel. Petro denounced the military offensive against Gaza, which has resulted in over 66,200 Palestinian casualties, as reported by Gaza’s authorities.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Hamas? Hamas is a Palestinian organization that governs the Gaza Strip, with the goal of establishing an independent Palestinian state and ending Israeli occupation.
- Who is Gustavo Petro? Gustavo Petro is the current President of Colombia, known for his left-leaning political stance and advocacy for social justice and human rights.
- What led to Petro’s decision? Petro decided to expel Israeli diplomats and suspend the free trade agreement with Israel following the detention of two Colombian women aboard a flotilla attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
- What is Hamas’s stance on Petro’s decision? Hamas praised Petro for taking a stand against the “criminal Zionist regime” and supporting Palestinian rights, urging other countries to take similar actions against Israel.
