Colombia to send volunteer doctors to Gaza, president announces

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has revealed plans to deploy volunteer medical teams from Colombian military hospitals to Gaza to support reconstruction efforts and provide critical healthcare to Palestinian children. In statements to Qatari media, Petro outlined a comprehensive medical assistance program that includes advanced prosthetic technology and potential medical evacuation for seriously injured children requiring specialized treatment.

Medical Mission Details

President Petro specified that doctors and volunteers would be sent "through existing mechanisms currently available," with a focus on adapting "mechatronic new prosthetics to replace lost limbs" to help victims "achieve a better quality of life." The Colombian leader emphasized flexibility in treatment locations, stating "if necessary, we can bring these children to Colombia and treat them here," indicating a commitment to providing medical care regardless of logistical challenges.

Political Context and Two-State Solution Advocacy

Beyond medical assistance, President Petro issued a direct appeal to US President Donald Trump to formally recognize Palestinian statehood as a necessary step toward Middle East peace. "If the US president truly wants peace in the Middle East, he should begin by recognizing Palestine as a first step," Petro stated, asserting that this recognition represents an essential prerequisite for a two-state solution and "a permanent peace agreement."

International Diplomatic Positioning

The Colombian president's announcement positions his government among nations actively providing tangible support to Gaza amid ongoing humanitarian challenges. By combining immediate medical assistance with diplomatic advocacy for Palestinian statehood, Colombia's initiative addresses both urgent humanitarian needs and broader political solutions to the longstanding conflict, reflecting a comprehensive approach to international engagement in the region.