Jeddah, July 16 (SANA)The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Thursday condemned reports that Colombia intends to open an embassy in occupied Jerusalem, describing the move as a regrettable reversal of Colombia’s longstanding support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.

In a statement, the OIC said such a step would harm Colombia’s relations and shared interests with the organization’s member states.

The organization rejected the reported move as a violation of international law and United Nations Security Council Resolutions 476 and 478, which declare measures aimed at changing the character, legal status or demographic composition of Jerusalem null and void and call on states to withdraw their diplomatic missions from the city.

The OIC urged the Colombian government to reverse what it described as an illegal decision, support international efforts to achieve peace based on the two-state solution and uphold its obligations under the U.N. Charter and relevant international resolutions.

The statement came a day after Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said he had agreed with Colombia’s incoming foreign minister, Omar Bola Escobar, to fully restore diplomatic and economic relations and open a Colombian embassy in occupied Jerusalem.

Colombia severed diplomatic relations with Israel in May 2024 under then-President Gustavo Petro in protest over Israel’s military campaign in the Gaza Strip. Last month, U.S.-backed presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella won Colombia’s presidential election and is due to take office on Aug. 7.