Petro Calls for Two-State Talks and Palestinian Unity After U.S. Vote

Former Colombian president Gustavo Petro called on November 5 for the U.S. election result favoring Democrats to be used to help end the Middle East war and revive an Israeli-Palestinian peace process. In a Spanish-language post, he advocated a settlement based on “two sovereign and free states.” Petro also urged Israelis to separate themselves from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government. He called for Palestinians to form a unity government prepared to negotiate toward lasting peace and sovereignty. His statement offered political proposals without announcing an agreement between the sides or a timetable for negotiations. Colombia’s current government set out its policy toward Israel on October 14. At the inauguration of Colombia’s embassy in Jerusalem, Foreign Minister Omar Bula said his country had resumed relations with Israel and formally requested withdrawal from the Hague Group. Addressing Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, Bula condemned terrorism and the October 7 attacks. He described ties extending back more than 70 years and said Colombia’s foreign ministry would work against antisemitism with other ministries and Colombian Jewish community organizations. Bula identified that policy with President de la Espriella’s administration.