In a passionate plea on Thursday, October 2, 2025, Colombian President Gustavo Petro called on U.S. President Donald Trump and European leaders to take immediate steps to ensure the delivery of food and humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza, who are facing severe starvation due to an ongoing Israeli blockade. Petro’s appeal, made via the U.S.-based social media platform X, underscored the dire humanitarian crisis unfolding in the Gaza Strip and warned that any peace initiatives would be doomed to fail without addressing the immediate needs of the population.
“Trump must understand that he will not be able to start any peace plan if food does not immediately enter the population of Gaza,” Petro wrote on X, directly addressing the U.S. leader. His statement came in response to Trump’s recently unveiled 20-point peace plan, which was presented on Monday during a White House meeting alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The plan outlines steps to end hostilities, secure the release of hostages, and establish a transitional authority to govern Gaza. However, Petro emphasized that no peace process could succeed if the people of Gaza continue to die from starvation and lack of basic necessities.
Petro’s comments reflect growing international concern over the worsening situation in Gaza, where nearly 2.4 million people have been living under an Israeli blockade for nearly 18 years. The blockade, which restricts the movement of goods and people, has been significantly tightened since March 2025, when Israel closed key border crossings and halted deliveries of food, medicine, and other essential supplies. This has pushed the enclave into a state of famine, with reports of widespread starvation and disease.
The Colombian president’s urgency was further highlighted by a recent incident involving the detention of two Colombian nationals who were part of a humanitarian flotilla attempting to deliver aid to Gaza. On Wednesday, Petro ordered the expulsion of Israel’s entire diplomatic delegation from Colombia in response to the detention of the activists. The flotilla, known as the Global Sumud Flotilla, was attacked by Israeli naval forces, who detained over 450 activists on board, according to the flotilla’s organizers. Despite the attack, the vessel Marinette remains en route to Gaza, carrying much-needed supplies.
“There are still ships arriving in Gaza. Do not stop them. Force food to arrive from the world,” Petro urged, appealing to global leaders to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches the beleaguered population. He warned that the United States and Europe risk losing their credibility as champions of freedom and democracy if they allow the detention of activists who are simply trying to deliver food to a starving population. “The USA and Europe will lose all notion of freedom and democracy if they allow people to remain kidnapped just because they brought food to a hungry people,” Petro stated emphatically.
In a bold move, Petro called on the Hague Group, a coalition of nations including Colombia, South Africa, Bolivia, Cuba, Honduras, Malaysia, Namibia, and Senegal, to mobilize for a “worldwide general strike” to pressure Israel to end its blockade and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza. The Hague Group, formed in January 2025 in the Netherlands, aims to hold Israel accountable for violations of international law. Petro’s call for a global strike reflects the growing frustration among some nations with the international community’s response to the crisis in Gaza.
The situation in Gaza has reached catastrophic levels, with Israeli bombardments since October 2023 resulting in the deaths of more than 66,200 Palestinians, the majority of whom are women and children, according to local authorities. The United Nations and various human rights organizations have repeatedly warned that Gaza is becoming uninhabitable, with starvation, disease, and a lack of basic infrastructure threatening the lives of millions. The blockade has severely limited access to clean water, electricity, and medical care, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Petro’s outspoken criticism of Israel’s actions and his call for immediate action place him among a growing number of world leaders who are demanding accountability and urgent intervention. His decision to expel Israel’s diplomatic delegation from Colombia marks a significant escalation in tensions between the two nations and underscores the seriousness of his commitment to addressing the crisis in Gaza. By linking the delivery of humanitarian aid to the broader goals of peace and justice, Petro is challenging the international community to prioritize human lives over political considerations.
The Colombian leader’s remarks also highlight the role of grassroots and international efforts to break the blockade on Gaza. The Global Sumud Flotilla, which includes activists from various countries, represents a collective effort to deliver aid directly to the people of Gaza in defiance of Israel’s restrictions. The detention of the flotilla’s participants has drawn widespread condemnation from human rights groups, who argue that preventing humanitarian aid from reaching those in need is a violation of international humanitarian law.
As the crisis in Gaza continues to worsen, Petro’s call for action has resonated with many who see the situation as a test of the international community’s commitment to human rights and justice. The blockade, which has been in place since 2007, has long been criticized for its devastating impact on Gaza’s civilian population. The tightening of restrictions in recent months has only deepened the suffering, with reports of children dying from malnutrition and preventable diseases becoming increasingly common.
Petro’s appeal to Trump and European leaders comes at a critical moment, as the international community grapples with how to address the escalating violence and humanitarian disaster in Gaza. Trump’s 20-point plan, while ambitious, has been met with skepticism by some who argue that it fails to address the root causes of the conflict, including the blockade and the ongoing occupation of Palestinian territories. Petro’s insistence on prioritizing food and aid delivery underscores the need for immediate, tangible steps to alleviate the suffering of Gaza’s residents.
The Colombian president’s leadership on this issue also reflects a broader shift in global attitudes toward the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Countries like Colombia, South Africa, and others in the Hague Group have increasingly taken a stand against Israel’s policies, advocating for accountability and justice for the Palestinian people. Petro’s call for a worldwide general strike is a bold and unprecedented move, signaling a willingness to use economic and political pressure to force change.
As the Marinette continues its journey toward Gaza, the world watches closely to see how Israel and the international community will respond. The fate of the flotilla and its passengers has become a symbol of the broader struggle for humanitarian access and justice in Gaza. Petro’s unwavering stance has brought renewed attention to the crisis, challenging global leaders to act swiftly to prevent further loss of life.
In conclusion, President Gustavo Petro’s urgent call for humanitarian action in Gaza highlights the desperate situation faced by millions of Palestinians living under an Israeli blockade. His appeal to U.S. President Donald Trump and European leaders, coupled with his call for a global strike, underscores the need for immediate intervention to deliver food and aid to a starving population. As the crisis in Gaza deepens, Petro’s leadership serves as a powerful reminder of the moral imperative to prioritize human lives and uphold the principles of freedom and democracy. The international community now faces a critical test: will it act to alleviate the suffering in Gaza, or will it allow the crisis to spiral further into catastrophe?
