Gustavo Petro on Palestine
TL;DR
Colombian President Gustavo Petro strongly advocates for an immediate ceasefire and the liberation of Palestine, viewing it as an ongoing genocide.
Key Points
He called for an international army to be deployed to liberate Palestine as a means to enforce a permanent ceasefire in September 2025.
Petro used a September 2025 speech at the UN General Assembly to state that humanity must stop the genocide occurring in Gaza.
His strong statements regarding the conflict led to the revocation of his visa by the United States government in late September 2025.
Summary
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has taken a pronounced and vocal stance in support of the Palestinian cause, frequently condemning actions against Gaza as genocide and calling for decisive international intervention. He has publicly urged for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, asserting that the world must act to stop what he describes as an ongoing massacre. Petro's core position centers on the need to uphold international law and human rights in the conflict, often framing the situation as an existential struggle for liberation that demands a powerful global response, including the formation of an international force.
His political trajectory on this issue has been characterized by consistent, unwavering alignment with Palestinian demands, which has resulted in significant diplomatic friction, including the revocation of his visa by one foreign government following a high-profile speech. The President has repeatedly used international platforms, such as the United Nations General Assembly, to deliver impassioned addresses urging world leaders to intervene decisively to achieve Palestinian freedom. His rhetoric is often radical for a head of state, positioning him as a leading global voice demanding immediate and comprehensive action for Palestinian self-determination.
Key Quotes
We need a powerful army of the countries that do not accept genocide. That is why I invite nations of the world and their peoples more than anything, as an integral part of humanity, to bring together weapons and armies. We must liberate Palestine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gustavo Petro holds a strong, pro-Palestinian position, consistently calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. He frames the situation as a genocide and advocates for robust international action to secure Palestinian liberation.
The available evidence suggests his stance has remained consistent, evolving into increasingly strong advocacy over time rather than changing direction. His public commentary maintains a clear focus on demanding an end to the conflict and supporting Palestinian rights.
At the UN General Assembly in September 2025, Gustavo Petro delivered a radical speech urging global leaders to stop the ongoing genocide in Gaza. He specifically called for the creation of a powerful international army to secure the liberation of Palestine.
Sources6
UN Security Council resolution on Gaza welcomed by Secretary-General, urged for full implementation
Palestine Must Be Freed: Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro Called for an International Army
Humanity must stop the genocide in Gaza: Petro’s radical speech at the UN General Assembly
Petro calls on UN for powerful army to 'liberate Palestine'
US revokes Colombian President Petro’s visa over ‘reckless actions’ in NYC
Revisiting the Historical Context of the Palestine-Israel Conflict
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.