Colombia Opens Embassy in Jerusalem, Drawing Sharp Palestinian Criticism

What happened

Al Jazeera Gaza reports that Colombia has inaugurated its embassy to Israel in Jerusalem, a move condemned by Palestinian officials and Jordan’s Foreign Ministry as violations of international law concerning the status of the city. The inauguration marks a reversal of former President Gustavo Petro’s decision in 2024 to sever ties with Israel over the Gaza conflict.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure, battlefield claim or single-source assertion should be treated as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source or a named official. The new Colombian president, Abelardo de la Espriella, reinstated the diplomatic relationship and restored a free trade agreement with Israel, calling the country a "strategic partner." Colombian Foreign Minister Omar Bula Escobar emphasized that relations should never have been broken and vowed stronger ties going forward. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar welcomed the embassy’s opening as an important event for both Israel and Jerusalem.

Most countries maintain their embassies in Tel Aviv, rejecting Israel’s claim over Jerusalem due to its unresolved status in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Palestinians claim East Jerusalem as the capital of a future state, while Israel regards the entire city as its capital, a position not recognized by the majority of the international community. Since the US moved its embassy to Jerusalem in 2018, only a few countries have followed suit.

Known from the source

• Colombia inaugurated its embassy to Israel in Jerusalem on October 14, 2026.
• Palestinian officials condemned the move, calling it a violation of international legitimacy resolutions.
• Jordan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also criticized the embassy opening as a breach of international law.
• The inauguration represents a policy reversal from former Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who severed ties with Israel in 2024.
• Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar attended and welcomed the embassy opening.

What remains unclear

The Palestinian Authority described Colombia’s embassy inauguration as undermining international consensus and legality regarding Jerusalem. Jordan’s Foreign Ministry similarly criticized the move, underscoring the sensitivity and regional impact of embassies being established in the contested city. The timing also occurs amid intensifying conflict in Gaza, where international pressure on Israel is rising.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Exact statements and current diplomatic status from the Colombian and Israeli governments regarding the embassy. Official reactions from the Palestinian Authority and Jordan beyond the initial condemnations cited. Clarification on how this move affects Colombia’s regional relations, especially with other Latin American countries.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: Al Jazeera Gaza. Open the source.