Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced on October 1st the expulsion of all Israeli diplomatic personnel from Colombia, responding to Israel's interception of the "Global Resilience Fleet" in international waters and the detention of two Colombian citizens.

Petro announced through social media that all Israeli diplomatic staff in Colombia must leave immediately, and declared the immediate termination of the Colombia-Israel free trade agreement.

According to a statement from the Colombian Presidential Palace, two Colombian citizens aboard vessels of the "Global Resilience Fleet" conducting humanitarian operations for Palestinian civilians in Gaza were detained in international waters. Colombia's measures represent a response to this incident.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry issued a statement on October 1st saying that the Israeli Navy intercepted and boarded multiple vessels attempting to breach Israel's maritime blockade of Gaza in the Mediterranean Sea that evening. Israeli media reported that the vessels belonged to the "Global Resilience Fleet" carrying humanitarian supplies to Gaza.

Petro described this as another international crime committed by the Israeli government. He has instructed Colombia's Foreign Ministry to take legal measures demanding the release of the two citizens and compensation for the rights violations they suffered. The Colombian Foreign Ministry issued a statement the same day calling Israel's actions kidnapping and a blatant violation of international law.

Since the outbreak of the latest round of Palestinian-Israeli conflict in October 2023, relations between Colombia and Israel have remained highly tense. Petro has repeatedly condemned Israel's military operations in Gaza. In late October 2023, Colombia announced the recall of its ambassador to Israel. In May 2024, Petro announced severing diplomatic relations with Israel while maintaining consular services. On September 29th this year, Petro stated at a cabinet meeting that the Colombian government would terminate its free trade agreement with Israel.

On October 1st, Colombian President Petro shared a report about modifying the free trade agreement with the United States on social media, stating that Colombia does not wish for diplomatic rupture with the US, that Colombia remains open to the world, but will not submit.

At a ministerial meeting on September 29th, Petro strongly criticized US President Trump's position on Gaza, directly stating he "acts as an accomplice to genocide." He announced plans to modify the free trade agreement with the US and terminate the trade agreement with Israel. Petro believes the US free trade agreement terms are outdated and proposed reforms including environmental standards, such as imposing tariffs on carbon dioxide-emitting vehicles.

On the evening of October 1st, protests erupted in multiple Italian cities including Rome, Milan, and Naples, demonstrating against Israel's interception of the "Global Resilience Fleet."

In Rome, thousands of demonstrators chanted slogans supporting Palestine and opposing the Israeli government, attempting to march from the train station to the Prime Minister's office before being intercepted by police. In Milan, thousands gathered in Scala Square, while in Naples, approximately 300 protesters entered the central train station, blocking train traffic for several minutes. Turin, Genoa, and other cities also witnessed demonstrations of varying scales.

Turkey's Foreign Ministry issued a statement on October 1st strongly condemning the Israeli military's attack on the "Global Resilience Fleet" in international waters, calling it "terrorist acts that violate international law and endanger civilian safety."

The statement noted that the fleet consisted of civilians from multiple countries peacefully delivering humanitarian supplies to Gaza. This attack demonstrates that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's government's "genocidal" military policy has expanded from targeting the Palestinian people to all international actors opposing its actions.

Turkey stated that following the incident, it has coordinated with involved countries to initiate diplomatic and legal procedures, pushing for the release of detained Turkish and other foreign citizens while pursuing legal accountability from responsible parties. Turkey also called for immediate action from the United Nations and relevant international organizations to urge Israel to lift its illegal blockade of Gaza, ensure humanitarian aid access, and maintain freedom of navigation at sea.

Previously, on September 30th, Turkey's Defense Ministry had indicated it was monitoring the safety of aid vessels in the Eastern Mediterranean and would coordinate warships and search-and-rescue forces to provide support when necessary.