Hamas condemns Colombia’s embassy opening in occupied Jerusalem
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13 oC
Güneşli
13 oC
Güneşli
The Hamas Movement has condemned Colombia’s decision to open an embassy in Occupied Jerusalem, calling on the government to reverse the move, which it said violates Palestinian rights and undermines international law.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Hamas described the decision as a departure from the policy of former Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who severed diplomatic ties with Israel in protest against its genocidal war on the Gaza Strip.
The Movement said opening the embassy in Jerusalem constitutes a violation of the rights of the Palestinian people and contravenes international law and United Nations resolutions rejecting unilateral changes to the city’s legal status. It stressed that Occupied Jerusalem is Palestinian territory.
Colombia opened the embassy on Wednesday, coinciding with the resumption of its free trade agreement with Israel. The move marks a significant shift in Bogotá’s policy following the inauguration of new President Abelardo de la Espriella and the restoration of diplomatic relations with Israel, which had been severed under Petro.
Hamas said the reversal of the previous government’s position amounts to a shift toward alignment with the Israeli occupation. The Movement also warned against what it described as a misguided political choice that disregards Palestinian rights as Israel faces growing international criticism over its war on Gaza.
The Movement urged the Colombian government to halt the decision and reverse course, emphasizing that the move disregards the legitimacy of the Palestinian cause and the Palestinian people’s inalienable right to self-determination and an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.
The decision has also drawn condemnation from Arab institutions and governments. The Arab League denounced the embassy’s opening, while Egypt’s Foreign Ministry said the move sought to alter Jerusalem’s legal and historical status and undermine efforts to achieve peace.
Cairo reiterated that unilateral measures aimed at changing the status of Jerusalem are invalid and reaffirmed Egypt’s support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the June 4, 1967 borders, with Occupied Jerusalem as its capital. (ILKHA)
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