Israel Deploys Rescue Team to Earthquake-Stricken Colombia

The Israel Defense Forces and the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs deployed an 80-member humanitarian delegation, named Alliance of Brothers, to Colombia following a 7.4-magnitude earthquake on August 10. The mission, led by Brigadier General (Res.) Yossi Pinto, departed from Nevatim airbase to provide immediate search and rescue assistance. The earthquake, the strongest to hit Colombia this century, caused over 200 deaths, thousands of injuries, and destroyed more than 1,000 homes, including a major hospital in Cali.

The deployment follows the inauguration of Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella, who restored diplomatic relations with Israel and recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. President de la Espriella restricted the acceptance of rescue teams to countries ideologically aligned with his administration, including Israel, the United States, El Salvador, and Ecuador.

Former President Gustavo Petro criticized these ideological filters, arguing that international aid should be for humanity and life. Petro stated that citizens should not expect much help if it comes from genocidal nations. Colombian Foreign Minister Omar Bula clarified that while rescue teams are restricted by ideology, other forms of international aid are not subject to these limitations.