The Bolivian government stated that it had cut diplomatic relations with Israel on Tuesday (31/10). The country accused Israel of committing crimes against humanity in its attacks on the Gaza Strip.
Bolivia “has decided to sever diplomatic relations with the state of Israel in rejection and condemnation of the aggressive and disproportionate Israeli military attacks taking place in the Gaza Strip,” Deputy Foreign Minister Freddy Mamani said at a press conference.
Interim Foreign Minister Maria Nela Prada said the press conference was held “in reference to the crimes against humanity committed in the Gaza Strip against the Palestinian people.”
Bolivia was one of the first countries to actively cut diplomatic ties with Israel because of the war in Gaza, which Israel launched in retaliation for the October 7 attack on southern Israel by Hamas. According to Israel, the attack killed 1,400 people, and that Hamas took 240 hostages.
Bolivia, a country in South America, cut diplomatic relations with Israel in 2009 under the government of left-wing President Evo Morales. The termination at that time was also a protest against Israel’s actions in Gaza. In 2020, the administration of far-right interim President Jeanine Anez reestablished relations between the two countries. (ka/rs)