Why it matters:
Petro’s remarks underscore the widening global divide over U.S. policy in West Asia and signal growing calls from Global South leaders to push back against the Zionist regime’s genocide in Gaza.
The big picture:
Petro has increasingly voiced his concern about U.S. support for the Zionist regime. His call reflects wider momentum among Global South leaders who describe the Gaza crisis not only as a humanitarian catastrophe but also as a symbol of U.S. domination. In a rare step for a sitting head of state, Petro personally joined a protest outside the UN, signaling his readiness to confront the Zionist regime not only through diplomacy but also through direct public action. At the same time, relations between Colombia and Washington are under strain, with Trump naming Colombia this week as a country that has “failed demonstrably” in upholding counternarcotics agreements.
What he is saying:
Petro directly accused Trump of enabling violence in Gaza, saying he allowed “missiles to be launched at children, young people, women, and the elderly.” He called for the creation of an international armed force “bigger than that of the United States” to “Liberate Palestine.” He further urged American soldiers to disobey Trump: “That’s why from here, from New York, I ask all the soldiers of the U.S. not to point their guns at people. Disobey the orders of Trump. Obey the orders of humanity.” Petro also warned that Trump was steering the U.S. into “barbarism.”
Go deeper:
Gaza Death Toll Rises Amid Netanyahu’s UN Rhetoric
M.Majdi - Mojtaba Darabi
