Colombian president compares plight of Palestinians to suffering of Jesus Christ

ISTANBUL

Colombian President Gustavo Petro late Friday condemned Israel's actions in Gaza and likened the plight of Palestinians to the suffering of Jesus Christ.

"At the moment of the Passion and death of Jesus, let us reflect on the Palestinian people, from where he came, now under a bloody genocide," Petro wrote on X responding to a post about Dr. Hossam Abu Safiya, a prominent Palestinian physician reportedly in critical condition while in Israeli detention following alleged torture.

Safiya, director of the Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, was reportedly detained by Israeli forces earlier this year.

Human rights organizations and local media outlets have raised alarms in recent weeks over his treatment in custody, citing severe abuse and deteriorating health.

Petro’s statement came during the Christian observance of Holy Week, further intensifying its symbolic weight. The Colombian leader has been an outspoken critic of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, repeatedly accusing it of committing war crimes.

The Israeli government has denied accusations of genocide and maintains that its operations target Hamas militants, not civilians or medical personnel.