Opinion: Why Won’t Chile Condemn Hamas Terrorism?

(Opinion) Chile’s President, Gabriel Boric, hesitates to label Hamas, an Islamist armed group attacking Israel, as terrorists.

Despite over 1,200 Israelis dead and 2,800 injured by this group, Boric remains silent.

Why?

The answer might be diplomatic convenience, thus showing a subtle bias toward the aggressor.

Chile’s Foreign Ministry has released a single statement condemning attacks on Israeli towns. Yet, they haven’t mentioned Hamas at all.

On Chile’s foreign affairs social media, there are condolences for nationals killed in terror attacks. But still, there’s no official labeling of Hamas as a terrorist organization.

A Waiting President

Boric hopes the United Nations (UN) will declare Hamas a terrorist organization, just like Al Qaeda and ISIS.

But waiting for such a statement is senseless, especially when the UN shows no signs of making a decision.

Several countries backing Palestine, such as Bolivia, China, and others, influence these decisions.

The UN has a history of controversial views, giving voice and vote to questionable regimes.

Even the UN’s secretary-general, António Guterres, has denounced the attacks without using the word ‘terrorist’.

Boric follows suit, possibly postponing taking a stance that would challenge his Palestine-supporting history.

A Public Affinity

Boric’s sympathy with Palestine isn’t hidden. This became clear when he rejected the credentials of Israel’s ambassador, Gil Artzyeli, last year.

The snub was even noted in the U.S. State Department’s religious freedom report, highlighting allegations of antisemitism in Chile.

Before this, Boric had announced opening an embassy in Palestine’s Ramallah to “enhance the official representation.” This move seemed like a message against Israel.

Surrounded by Antisemites

Boric’s stance aligns with his coalition’s Communist Party, which is openly pro-Palestine.

Their spokesperson, Daniel Jadue, is even described by the Simon Wiesenthal Center as someone aligned with Hamas’ ideology.

Chile’s government spokesperson, Camila Vallejo, once pushed for a bill banning imports from “territories illegally occupied by Israel” in Congress.

Considering this, it’s almost unthinkable that Chile will follow countries like Australia or the UK in listing Hamas as terrorists.

Avoiding Controversy?

Perhaps Boric avoids stirring up a debate. Chile houses one of the largest and oldest Palestinian communities outside the Middle East.

The Palestinian Federation of Chile lists about 500,000 members. Prominent figures like Álvaro Saieh, a significant businessman, hail from this community.

Chile’s reluctance might be rooted in diplomatic, historical, or political ties, but the lives at stake require a clear stance.