Thousands protest across Colombia over Gaza war and embassy opening in West Jerusalem as government restores ties with Israel

Thousands of people took to the streets across Colombia to condemn Israel’s war in Gaza and the government’s decision to open an embassy in West Jerusalem. In Bogotá, hundreds of students and social movement activists marched with Palestinian flags, denouncing President Abelardo de la Espriella’s decision to restore diplomatic relations with Israel.

The nationwide demonstrations were part of a mobilisation against the conservative president’s policies and coincided with the embassy’s official opening on Wednesday. De la Espriella, who took office in August, restored ties that former President Gustavo Petro had severed in 2024 over the war in Gaza, and reinstated a suspended free trade agreement.