Colombia and Chile had earlier recalled their ambassadors from Israel.
Source: AFP
Bolivia has become one of the first countries to sever diplomatic relations with Israel due to its attacks on the Gaza Strip, as reported by Sarbaz.kz, citing Reuters.
All three South American countries criticized Israel's assault on Gaza and condemned the loss of Palestinian lives.
"Bolivia has decided to sever diplomatic relations with the state of Israel as a sign of non-acceptance and condemnation of the aggressive, disproportionate Israeli military offensive occurring in the Gaza Strip," said Bolivia's Deputy Foreign Minister, Freddy Mamani, during a press conference.
Maria Nela Prada, acting Foreign Minister of Bolivia, accused Israel of "crimes against humanity." Bolivia also stated that it "rejects Israel's hostile attitude towards international entities providing humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip."
Meanwhile, Chile decided to recall its ambassador "in the face of insurmountable violations of international humanitarian law committed by Israel in the Gaza Strip," according to a statement shared on the X platform by former Chilean President Gabriel Boric.
However, according to the Israel Times, neither Prada nor Mamani mentioned the violent attack by HAMAS militants on Israel on October 7, resulting in the deaths of more than 1,400 people and around 240 being taken hostage.
Other South American countries, such as Mexico and Brazil, have also called for an immediate ceasefire.
"What we have right now is the madness of the Israeli prime minister, who wants to wipe the Gaza Strip off the face of the Earth," said Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
It's worth noting that diplomatic relations between Bolivia and Israel were previously severed in 2009 due to Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip. However, in 2020, the government of President Jeanine Añez reestablished relations.