Bogota, May 12 (RHC)-- The Colombian Foreign Ministry has issued a statement in which it asks for respect from the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, for having described President Gustavo Petro as an anti-Semitic.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs considers that these statements made by the Zionist leader are false and shameful.  For the Government of Colombia, President Petro's fight for life, peace and justice goes beyond Colombian borders. Therefore, they highlight his support for multilateralism and his commitment to respect for international humanitarian law.

Likewise, Colombia strongly condemns the violence of groups such as Hamas and demands the release of the hostages. The office of the Colombian Foreign Ministry insists on the need for a ceasefire and the achievement of an agreement that puts an end to the suffering of civilians in the region.

President Gustavo Petro even proposed the creation of a "peace force" for Gaza and requested an international arrest warrant against Netanyahu.

Previously, the Colombian president had ordered breaking diplomatic relations with Israel.

In the statement, the Colombian Government reaffirms its commitment to the defense of human rights and the promotion of peace in the region.