Egypt Takes Diplomatic Step Toward Colombia After Embassy Opening in Jerusalem

Egypt's Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Colombian chargé d'affaires in Cairo to protest his country's opening of an embassy in occupied Jerusalem, a move Egypt described as a violation of international law and legitimacy.

A well-informed source said the summons was intended to express Egypt's categorical rejection of this unilateral step, which contradicts the city's existing legal and historical status, affirming that it is "null and void and produces no legal effect."

The source added that Egypt warned of the negative repercussions of this step on international efforts aimed at achieving peace and stability in the region, noting that it could exacerbate tensions and undermine prospects for settlement.

Cairo stressed the necessity of respecting the legal and historical status of occupied Jerusalem and refraining from taking unilateral measures that would harm opportunities for achieving peace based on the two-state solution.

Eighteen Arab and Islamic countries, including Egypt, announced their categorical rejection of Colombia's opening of its embassy in Jerusalem, confirming that this step contradicts relevant UN Security Council resolutions and undermines international efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution.

Colombia had severed diplomatic ties with Israel in 2024 during Gustavo Petro's presidency, protesting the war in the Gaza Strip, before his successor Abelardo de la Espriella moved to visit Israel, restore relations, and open the embassy in Jerusalem.