The Palestinian government of Hamas, based in the Gaza Strip, has expressed appreciation for Colombia's decision to sever diplomatic ties with Israel amid ongoing conflict in the region. The move by Colombia was announced by President Gustavo Petro during a workers' rally in Bogota on May Day.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Hamas applauded Colombia's decision as a demonstration of solidarity with the Palestinian people and a stance against Israel's actions, which it described as violations of international law and norms. The statement, reported by Iran-based Perstuday and Palestine's Shehab news agency, urged other nations to follow suit and sever ties with Israel.

Colombia's decision comes in response to the recent escalation of violence in the Gaza Strip, where Israeli airstrikes and ground attacks have resulted in significant casualties and widespread destruction. The conflict escalated on October 7 last year when Hamas launched a major military operation against Israel, prompting retaliatory measures from the Israeli military.

Since then, more than 32,000 Palestinians, including a large number of women and children, have been killed, and over 80,000 have been injured. The United Nations has warned of a dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, with 85 percent of the population internally displaced and acute shortages of food, clean water, and medicine.

Colombia's decision to sever diplomatic relations with Israel follows a similar move by Bolivia last year. Several other South American countries, including Chile and Honduras, also withdrew their ambassadors from Israel in response to the Gaza crisis.

While Hamas welcomed Colombia's decision, Israel has dismissed the allegations of wrongdoing and defended its actions as necessary measures to protect its citizens from rocket attacks launched by Hamas militants. The conflict between Israel and Hamas has drawn international condemnation, with calls for an immediate ceasefire and renewed efforts to achieve a lasting peace agreement in the region.