Colombia says it will break diplomatic relations with Israel on Thursday over its actions in Gaza. 

The announcement came as the Colombian President, Gustavo Petro, addressed cheering crowds in Bogota during International Worker's Day rallies backing his social and economic reforms.

 "The government of change, of the president of the republic, announces that tomorrow we will break diplomatic relations with the state of Israel...for having a president who is genocidal," Petro proclaimed to cheering supporters, accusing Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of being "genocidal" over policies toward Gaza.

He insisted countries cannot remain passive observers amid the escalating violence in Gaza, though he did not cite specific incidents prompting the rupture in ties with Israel.