Nicaragua has announced that it will break diplomatic relations with Israel. This decision comes as the country faces increasing isolation in the world, especially after the recent escalation of violence in Gaza.
On Friday, Nicaraguan Vice President Rosario Murillo shared this news with state media. She said the move followed a resolution passed by the Nicaraguan Congress. This resolution called for action to mark the one-year anniversary of the Gaza conflict, which began on October 7.
Murillo stated that her husband, President Daniel Ortega, directed the government to end ties with Israel, labeling its government as “fascist and genocidal.” This statement reflects Nicaragua’s strong opposition to Israel’s actions in Gaza and its broader military activities in the Middle East.
However, this break in relations is mostly symbolic. Israel does not have an ambassador in Nicaragua, and the two countries had very limited interaction to begin with.
The announcement comes at a tense time for Israel, which is under growing scrutiny from other nations due to its military campaign in Gaza. Reports indicate that over 42,000 people have died in Gaza due to the conflict, with thousands more casualties from Israeli strikes in Lebanon and other areas.
Nicaragua’s government condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza and expressed concern about how the fighting is affecting neighboring countries like Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Iran.
Opposition to the Gaza conflict is growing in Latin America. Leaders from countries like Brazil, Colombia, and Chile have voiced strong criticism against Israel’s actions. Recently, these nations helped send a letter to the United Nations, supporting Secretary-General Antonio Guterres after Israel declared him unwelcome.
Colombia has already cut ties with Israel, with President Gustavo Petro labeling the Israeli government as “genocidal.” Similarly, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva recalled his country’s ambassador to Israel, comparing the Gaza war to the Holocaust.
In January, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) made a significant ruling, telling Israel to stop actions that could lead to genocide and to allow UN investigators to look into accusations of such crimes. Bolivia has now joined the ICJ case, claiming that the situation in Gaza is a genocidal war and that Israel is ignoring the court’s orders.
Nicaragua is also taking steps on the international stage. The government has approached the International Court of Justice (ICJ), asking it to stop Germany from selling arms to Israel. However, this request was rejected in April.
Despite its bold stance against Israel, Nicaragua is facing its own challenges. The Ortega government has been criticized for becoming increasingly repressive towards dissenters and political opponents, which has contributed to the country’s growing isolation in the region.
As tensions rise, the world watches to see how Nicaragua’s decision will affect its relationships and whether more countries will join in opposition to Israel’s actions.
