Colombian leader compares Palestinian plight to Jesus Christ’s suffering

Colombian President Gustavo Petro strongly condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza on Friday, drawing a comparison between the suffering of Palestinians and that of Jesus Christ.  

"At the moment of the Passion and death of Jesus, let us reflect on the Palestinian people, from where he came, now under a bloody genocide," Petro wrote on X. 

He was responding to a Palestinian media outlet’s report on developments in the war-torn Gaza Strip, including the case of Dr Hossam Abu Safiyah, a Gaza physician who was detained by Israeli forces and is in critical condition after reportedly being tortured in custody.  

Dr Safiyah, the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, was detained earlier this year.  

His condition has been highlighted by human rights groups and medical organisations, who have drawn attention to his mistreatment, worsening health, and the broader collapse of Gaza’s healthcare system, which has put medical professionals and patients at severe risk. 

The Colombian leader's comments came during the Christian observance of Holy Week. 

Recently, Catholic leaders in East Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank also likened the suffering in Gaza to the crucifixion of Jesus in their Easter addresses, while Protestant leaders condemned Israel’s ongoing assault on the Palestinian territory.  

William Shomali, a Palestinian Christian leader from the West Bank, said in late March that Good Friday had "lasted for six months" for the people of Gaza- a sombre metaphor for the prolonged agony experienced under the continuing conflict.  

Good Friday marks the crucifixion and death of Jesus. 

Colombian President Petro has consistently voiced strong opposition to Israel’s brutal attacks on Gaza, frequently accusing the country of committing war crimes. 

His X account has regularly featured posts expressing solidarity with Palestinians.  

Just three days after the Gaza war broke out on 7 October 2023, Petro wrote: "The only way for Palestinian children to sleep in peace is for Israeli children to sleep in peace.

"War will never achieve this - it can only be achieved by a peace agreement that respects international legality and the right of the two peoples to exist free."

Petro also likened Israel’s conduct to that of Nazi Germany, provoking strong condemnation from Israeli officials.  

In response, Israel recalled its ambassador from Bogota, with Colombia then withdrawing its own envoy from Tel Aviv. 

Colombia ultimately severed diplomatic ties with Israel last year, denouncing the devastating impact of the war on Gaza’s population.

Over 51,000 Palestinians have been killed according to the Gaza health ministry. The true death toll is believed to be much higher, because thousands of uncounted victims are believed to be under the rubble of destroyed rebels.

Israel resumed its attacks on Gaza last March after a two-month ceasefire, killing at least 1,700 Palestinians since then and displacing over 500,000 according to the United Nations.

Under Petro's leadership, Colombia- previously Israel’s largest supplier of coal- has also suspended coal exports to the country.