Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt and the Arab League criticise Colombia’s diplomatic move, citing international resolutions and Palestinian rights.
WEB DESK: Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt and the Arab League have condemned Colombia’s decision to open an embassy in Jerusalem, intensifying diplomatic criticism of the South American country’s renewed engagement with Israel.
Colombia inaugurated its embassy on October 14, prompting objections from Arab governments and regional organisations over the legal and historical status of Jerusalem and the implications for Palestinian statehood.
The Arab League said the move disregarded relevant United Nations resolutions and warned against unilateral decisions affecting the city’s status. Saudi Arabia and Jordan also criticised the decision, while Egypt reiterated its opposition to measures it says undermine international law and prospects for peace.
The Arab Parliament subsequently condemned the opening on October 15 and called on Colombia to reverse its decision. Qatar also issued a formal condemnation, according to its Foreign Ministry. [Sources: Arab League via WAFA; Arab Parliament via UNA; Qatar’s Foreign Ministry.]
Saudi Arabia and Jordan Reject the Embassy Move
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry described Colombia’s decision as a violation of international law and relevant international resolutions. Riyadh argued that the move undermines Jerusalem’s established legal and historical status.
The Saudi government called on the international community, including the United Nations Security Council, to fulfil its responsibilities regarding policies affecting the city.
Jordan also rejected the opening, maintaining that measures intended to change Jerusalem’s legal status are illegitimate and without legal effect.
Amman reiterated its support for an independent and sovereign Palestinian state based on the June 4, 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Both countries said a lasting regional settlement should respect Palestinian rights and the internationally recognised framework for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Arab League Cites UN Resolutions
The Arab League condemned Colombia’s decision and warned that unilateral diplomatic actions cannot determine Jerusalem’s final legal status.
In its statement, the organisation referred to United Nations Security Council Resolution 478, adopted in 1980, which addressed Israeli measures affecting the character and status of Jerusalem and called on states to withdraw diplomatic missions from the city.
The Arab League also cited Security Council Resolution 2334, adopted in 2016, which reaffirmed the international position concerning Israeli settlements in territory occupied since 1967 and called for non-recognition of changes to the pre-1967 lines unless agreed through negotiations.
The organisation said Colombia’s decision disregarded the established international position on East Jerusalem and could undermine Palestinian national rights.
It called on Colombia to reconsider its decision.
Egypt and Qatar Reaffirm Support for Palestinian Statehood
Egypt’s Foreign Ministry also condemned the embassy opening, describing it as inconsistent with international law and relevant UN resolutions.
Cairo said unilateral measures affecting Jerusalem’s legal and historical status could undermine efforts to achieve a comprehensive peace agreement.
Egypt reiterated its support for a two-state solution that would establish an independent Palestinian state along the June 4, 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry separately condemned Colombia’s decision on October 15, referring specifically to Security Council Resolution 478.
Doha called on the international community to take action to preserve Jerusalem’s historical and legal status and protect the legitimate rights of Palestinians.
The Arab Parliament also urged Colombia to reverse the decision, warning that unilateral steps affecting Jerusalem could further complicate efforts to reach a lasting settlement.
Colombia Opens Embassy Following Diplomatic Reset With Israel
Colombia officially opened its embassy in Jerusalem on October 14, marking a significant shift in its relations with Israel.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar welcomed the opening, which was attended by representatives of both countries, according to international news reports.
The decision followed the restoration of diplomatic relations after former Colombian president Gustavo Petro severed ties with Israel in 2024 over its military campaign in Gaza.
The embassy opening represents a change in Colombia’s approach to Israel under its new administration. Colombia and Israel have maintained diplomatic relations since 1957, although bilateral ties deteriorated sharply under Petro.
Reuters and the Associated Press reported that the opening made Colombia the tenth country to establish an embassy in Jerusalem, according to their respective reporting.
Most countries continue to maintain their embassies to Israel in Tel Aviv, reflecting the unresolved international dispute over Jerusalem’s status.
Why Jerusalem’s Status Remains Disputed
Jerusalem is one of the central issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Israel considers Jerusalem its capital, while Palestinians seek East Jerusalem as the capital of a future independent Palestinian state.
Israel captured East Jerusalem during the 1967 war and later annexed it. The annexation has not been widely recognised internationally, and the city’s final status remains unresolved.
The United States moved its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem in 2018. A limited number of other countries have since established diplomatic missions in the city, while most governments continue to favour resolving its status through negotiations.
The dispute is closely linked to questions of sovereignty, borders, settlements, security and the future of Palestinian statehood.
