Brazilian President kisses Colombian Leader following “new Nazis” comment on 'Israelis'

A historic and unprecedented moment took place at the United Nations when the Brazilian president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, kissed the head of the Colombian president Gustavo Petro following his speech at the General Assembly.

During his address, the Colombian president Petro delivered a strongly worded statement regarding the conflict in Gaza, describing 'Israelis' as “Nazis” and calling for the creation of an international military force composed of Asian countries to liberate Palestine. He further ordered that no ships carrying weapons to 'Israel' should be allowed to pass.

Lula’s gesture was widely seen as an extraordinary display of solidarity and support for the Colombian leader’s remarks, drawing significant attention from international media and delegates at the UN.

The President's remarks, which are part of his long-standing, outspoken defense of Palestinians, have drawn sharp condemnation from the United States and Jewish advocacy groups.

During his address, President Petro repeatedly denounced 'Israel's' actions as "genocide" and evoked imagery from the Holocaust, stating that "it would seem as if [Nazi propaganda minister Joseph] Goebbels is the one who directs the world's communications" regarding the conflict. He asserted that the most anti-Semitic act today is "to repeat Hitler's holocaust on humanity and especially on the Palestinian people," a comparison he has used multiple times since the conflict began in October 2023.

Policy and Diplomatic Fallout

President Petro’s strong rhetoric is backed by official policy changes that have directly affected diplomatic relations:

• Suspension of Arms: In October 2023, 'Israel' announced it was halting security exports to Colombia after Petro initially compared 'Israel’s' defense minister to the Nazis. In February, Colombia went further, suspending 'Israeli' weapons purchases, a significant move given 'Israel' has historically been one of Colombia's main suppliers of military equipment.
• Breaking Ties: In May 2024, President Petro announced plans to cut diplomatic ties with 'Israel', stating that he would do so "for having a government, for having a president who is genocidal." Colombia is one of the few Latin American countries to have taken such a definitive step.
• International Court Action: Colombia has formally requested to join the case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) accusing 'Israel' of genocide, aligning itself with South Africa.