OAS's alignment with 'Israel' risks alienating Latin America: FP
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Latin American and Caribbean countries have increasingly turned to regional organizations like the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the Mercosur trade bloc to voice their opposition to "Israel's" actions.
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Secretary General of the Organization of American States Luis Almagro attends the opening of 52nd General Assembly of the OAS in Lima, Peru, Oct. 5, 2022. (AP)
An opinion piece published by writer Francesca Emanuele in Foreign Policy has shed light on the growing divide between the Organization of American States (OAS) and many Latin American and Caribbean countries regarding the war on Gaza.
While countries in the region have taken strong measures to support Palestinian human rights and condemn "Israel's" actions in Gaza, the OAS, under the leadership of Secretary-General Luis Almagro, has aligned itself with "Israel", focusing primarily on condemning Hamas' attacks and affirming "Israel's" purported right to self-defense.
Emanuele argues that countries like Colombia, which suspended arms deals with "Israel" and halted coal exports, as well as other nations that have recalled their ambassadors, are expressing their discontent with the war on Gaza.
In contrast, Almagro has remained silent on the rising Palestinian casualties, now exceeding 40,000, and has failed to address the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Read more: Hamas commends Colombia's ban on coal exports to 'Israel'
This lack of response, she argues, risks eroding the OAS's credibility in the region and could push member states toward other multilateral forums with less US influence.
Latin American and Caribbean countries have increasingly turned to regional organizations like the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the Mercosur trade bloc to voice their opposition to "Israel's" actions.
Through these bodies, countries such as Brazil have called for a ceasefire and engaged in diplomatic efforts, including a free trade agreement with the Palestinian Authority.
Even the 14 Caribbean nations, some of which were previously hesitant to take positions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict due to US influence, have united within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to recognize Palestine and oppose the war.
