Chilean President Gabriel Boric has pledged to take stronger measures against Israel in response to its ongoing war on the Gaza Strip, including legislative and diplomatic actions aimed at increasing international pressure on the occupation regime.

Speaking during a three-hour annual address before Congress in the port city of Valparaíso, Boric declared that his administration will introduce a bill to ban the import of goods originating from territories under illegal Israeli occupation. He also announced Chile's support for Spain's recent initiative to impose an international arms embargo on Israel.

“I will not remain silent in the face of the crimes being committed in Gaza,” Boric said, receiving a standing ovation from members of parliament. “Chile must be consistent in its commitment to human rights and international law.”

The Chilean president, known for his outspoken stance on Palestine, had earlier withdrawn military attachés from the Chilean embassy in Tel Aviv and recalled the Chilean ambassador to Israel for consultations — a move widely seen as a diplomatic rebuke in protest of Israel’s actions in Gaza.

His latest announcements come amid growing international calls for accountability and mounting outrage over the catastrophic human toll of Israel's military campaign.

Since October 7, 2023, Israeli occupation forces have waged a devastating war on the besieged Gaza Strip. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, at least 54,418 Palestinians — the vast majority of them women and children — have been killed, with 124,190 others injured. Entire residential neighborhoods have been flattened, and thousands remain buried beneath the rubble with rescue teams unable to reach them due to ongoing bombardments and restricted access.

Chile, which is home to one of the largest Palestinian diasporas outside the Arab world, has witnessed regular protests and calls for stronger government action against Israeli aggression.

Boric’s statements are expected to further strengthen Chile’s role as one of Latin America’s most vocal critics of Israel’s war on Gaza and may signal a broader shift in regional policy as several Latin American nations reassess their diplomatic ties and trade relationships in light of the humanitarian crisis. (ILKHA)