Colombia will suspend coal exports to Israel in response to Israel's aggression in Gaza, Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced on Saturday (June 8). This measure comes as a reaction to the ongoing violence in the region, as reported by the AP news agency.

President Petro, Colombia's first left-wing leader and a known critic of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, made the announcement via a post on X (formerly Twitter). He stated that the suspension of coal exports will remain in effect until the violence in Gaza ceases.

In his social media posts, Petro shared parts of a draft law indicating that Colombia would only resume coal exports if Israel complies with the International Court of Justice's order to withdraw troops from the Gaza Strip.

Colombia is a major coal supplier to Israel. In 2023, Colombia exported $450 million worth of coal to Israel, according to the Israeli Embassy in Bogotá. The suspension of coal exports is expected to have significant economic implications for both countries.

This decision underscores the escalating international response to the conflict in Gaza and highlights the growing pressure on Israel to end its military actions in the region.