Bolivia ends diplomatic relations with Israel amid war. The Bolivian government has “made the decision to break off diplomatic relations with the State of Israel,” says Deputy Foreign Minister Freddy Mamani, adding that this is a “sign of rejection and condemnation of the aggressive and disproportionate Israeli military offensive in the Gaza Strip”. Israel will be officially informed of the decision, says the Secretary General of the Presidency, Maria Nela Prada, and announces that it will send humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. “We demand an end to the attacks (…) that have led to thousands of civilian deaths and the forced displacement of Palestinians.”
Bolivia, ruled by left-leaning President Luis Arce, is the first Latin American country to break off diplomatic relations with Israel. Hamas welcomed the announcement. There is still no reaction from Israel. Bolivia had already temporarily severed its diplomatic relations with Israel in 2009 to protest against Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip.