Colombia has appointed Jorge Iván Ospina as its first ambassador to the Palestinian Authority, marking a notable shift in its diplomatic stance one year after cutting ties with Israel.
This appointment signals Colombia’s commitment to establishing formal representation in Ramallah and advancing relations with the State of Palestine.
Ospina, a close ally of President Gustavo Petro and former mayor of Cali, is known for his critical views on Israel, especially following the events of October 2023.
He has expressed strong solidarity with Palestinians and vowed to speak out against what he calls ongoing human rights abuses.
The ambassador’s future base remains undecided, as Colombia plans discussions with Israel about opening its embassy in Ramallah.
This development follows Colombia’s official recognition of Palestine in 2018 and marks a deeper involvement in Middle Eastern diplomacy.