OIC urges Colombia to cancel Jerusalem embassy plan

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has strongly condemned Colombia's reported plan to open an embassy in occupied Jerusalem. The OIC issued a statement on Thursday, July 16, 2026, calling the move a "regrettable step backward" from Colombia's historical support for Palestinian rights.

The organization emphasized that such a decision conflicts with international law and United Nations resolutions, specifically citing Security Council Resolutions 476 and 478. These resolutions declare any Israeli actions to alter Jerusalem's character, legal status, or demographic composition as legally void. The OIC warned that opening an embassy in Jerusalem could damage Colombia's relations and shared interests with OIC member states.

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The move is a regrettable step backward from Colombia's historical position of supporting the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.

This potential shift comes as Colombia's president-elect, Abelardo de la Espriella, has pledged to forge unprecedented ties with Israel. His administration plans to open the embassy in Jerusalem, a move that reverses the decision of the outgoing President Gustavo Petro, who had severed ties with Israel in May 2024 due to strong support for Palestinian independence.

Colombia would become the ninth country to establish an embassy in Jerusalem, joining the United States, Guatemala, Honduras, Kosovo, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Fiji, and Somaliland. Other nations maintain diplomatic branch offices in the city. The OIC urged Colombia to reconsider its plan and uphold its responsibilities under the UN Charter regarding Jerusalem's status, advocating for a two-state solution.

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All Israeli actions aimed at changing the character, legal status, or demographic composition of Jerusalem have no legal force and are null and void.