Colombian President Gustavo Petro has called for international sanctions against Israel if it fails to respect a recently announced ceasefire involving the United States and Iran, warning that continued violations could endanger global stability.
In a statement posted on the social media platform X, Petro urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to fully comply with the ceasefire agreement and respect civilian populations in the region.
“Netanyahu must respect the total ceasefire that was agreed upon and respect the population and territory of Lebanon,” Petro wrote.
He added that the international community should respond decisively if the agreement is violated.
“The entire world must impose sanctions if the agreed-upon pact is disobeyed,” he said, warning that the stakes involve “the life of humanity.”
The remarks come amid reports of intensified Israeli military activity in southern Lebanon, where airstrikes have reportedly caused significant casualties despite the announcement of a temporary ceasefire between the United States and Iran.
According to the reports, Israeli forces carried out a wave of airstrikes beginning Wednesday, resulting in hundreds of casualties and widespread destruction, even as diplomatic efforts sought to de-escalate tensions.
The ceasefire agreement between Washington and Tehran was reportedly brokered with mediation from Pakistan and was intended as a two-week pause in hostilities ahead of broader negotiations to end the conflict.
Petro emphasized that respect for international agreements is essential for maintaining global peace, warning that failure to uphold such accords could have far-reaching consequences beyond the immediate region.
His comments reflect growing international concern over the fragility of ceasefire arrangements in the Middle East, particularly as competing military and political interests continue to fuel instability.
The situation has drawn widespread attention from global leaders, many of whom are calling for restraint and renewed diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation in an already volatile regional conflict.
As tensions persist, Petro’s statement adds to mounting pressure on all parties involved to adhere to ceasefire commitments and prioritize civilian protection in affected areas.
