Colombian President Proposes Mobilizing Volunteers to Fight Israel in Gaza

Colombian President Gustavo Petro, while participating in a demonstration held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, called for the mobilization of volunteers to take part in fighting against Israel in the Gaza Strip, proposing the formation of an international army made up of volunteers from multiple countries to defend the Palestinian people.

Addressing demonstrators through a loudspeaker, Petro said: “We are now open to volunteers to fight in Gaza. Let us unite and we will form the strongest army in the world.” He added that the response would be by arms after the United States used its veto in the Security Council, repeating his characterization of Israeli operations in Gaza as a genocide.

Petro’s speech came days after he presented to the General Assembly the idea of creating a “world-saving” army, and he announced that he would submit a draft resolution to the General Assembly calling on the United Nations to form this force, seeking to rally the support of other countries and expressing his personal willingness to fight if necessary.

Petro was accompanied at the demonstration by a number of public figures, including musician Roger Waters and Colombia’s ambassador to Washington, Daniel Garcia-Penia. Several delegations boycotted the General Assembly session in solidarity with the Palestinians, including Colombia’s delegation.

It is worth noting that Colombia severed diplomatic relations with Israel in May 2024 and suspended coal exports to the country, and that international judicial bodies are currently handling files related to possible crimes in the conflict, including an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court for the Israeli prime minister.