Colombia lifts coal export ban on Israel imposed over Gaza genocide

Colombia has lifted a coal export ban on Israel, imposed in response to the country's involvement in the Gaza genocide. The decision was made by Colombia's new right-wing government, reversing an embargo introduced by former President Gustavo Petro. The ban was lifted by Trade Minister Mauricio Gomez Amin in a video alongside President Abelardo de la Espriella, who held up the decree.

The government has not disclosed the decree's number, publication date, or the conditions for exporters. It is unknown when shipments will resume. Petro severed diplomatic relations with Israel in May 2024 and imposed a total embargo on thermal coal exports in August 2025, aiming to remain in force until Israel complied with the International Court of Justice's provisional measures to withdraw from Gaza and Rafah.

Despite the ban, Colombia was Israel's largest coal supplier, providing 60% of Israel's thermal coal imports in the first part of 2024. De la Espriella, who took office on 7 August, promised that relations with Israel would become "like never before." The coal decision is part of a broader pro-Israel shift since his administration took power.