Colombia – In a new move that reflects his support for the Palestinian cause, Colombian President Gustavo Petro has ordered the shipment of gold confiscated from smuggling gangs to the Gaza Strip.
In a move seen by some as symbolic and humanitarian, the move aims to support the Palestinian people amid the worsening humanitarian crisis.
declared solidarity with Gaza
The decision builds on Petro’s previous positions, as he was among the first Latin American leaders to sever diplomatic relations with Israel and sharply criticized the military operations in the Gaza Strip.
He also previously issued a decision to halt Colombian coal exports to Israel, describing what is happening in Gaza as “genocide that calls for a moral stance from the world.”
The details are shrouded in mystery.
To date, the Colombian government has not issued a detailed official statement clarifying the mechanism for transporting the gold or the entity that will receive it inside Gaza.
According to local media reports, the quantities sent may be symbolic, as part of a solidarity initiative rather than a fully commercial or official one.
Observers believe the decision carries a strong political message rather than being an economic or financial move.
Mixed reactions
The move sparked widespread comments on social media, with some supporters viewing it as a courageous, humanitarian stance from a Latin American country that is geographically distant but emotionally close to the Palestinian people.
The opposition considers it an unjustified interference in a highly sensitive political issue.
Background on President Petro
Colombian President Gustavo Petro is known for his clear leftist positions and his repeated calls to reconsider the international system, which he describes as “double standards on issues of justice and humanity.”
Since assuming the presidency in 2022, he has made several controversial decisions, most notably rapprochement with Venezuela and adopting a foreign policy more independent from Washington.
