Colombia officially opened its embassy in occupied Jerusalem on Wednesday, joining a small group of countries supporting Israel’s claim over the city. The move has drawn strong criticism from the Palestinian Authority.
Most countries maintain their Israeli embassies in Tel Aviv. They believe Jerusalem’s status should be decided through a final settlement of the Palestinian issue.
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Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar welcomed the opening during the ceremony. While signing the embassy’s guestbook, he described the occasion as an important day for Israel and Jerusalem.
Colombia’s new President, Abelardo de la Esperilla, announced the embassy’s relocation to Jerusalem in July. His decision marks a major shift from the policy of former president Gustavo Petro.
Petro severed diplomatic relations with Israel in 2024. He took the decision in protest against Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip. Israel had previously been an important security partner for Colombia.
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The Palestinian Authority strongly condemned Colombia’s latest move. Its Foreign Ministry said opening an embassy in occupied Jerusalem violated international resolutions and undermined international consensus on the city’s legal status.
The ministry also said the decision infringed on the Palestinian people’s inalienable rights. Jerusalem remains a central issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with its final status unresolved internationally.