Chile president: Israel PM is a ‘war criminal’

On the evening of 17 December, Chile’s President Gabriel Boric took part in a Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the Palestinian Club, where the tree was adorned with 45,000 lights in memory of the victims of Gaza. The event highlighted his unwavering support for Palestinian rights.

Prominent figures, including the acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gloria de la Fuente; the Minister of National Defence, Maya Fernandez; the President of the Palestinian Community in Chile, Maurice Khamis; and the Mayor of Las Condes, Catalina San Martin, all took part in the event, which was held at Las Condes commune of Santiago Province.

“Christmas invites us to renew our commitment to the fundamental values of solidarity and respect for human dignity everywhere in the world. We will not be passive spectators. We have not been, and we will not be, passive spectators in the face of so much injustice and pain, consciously inflicted on children, women, the elderly and innocent people of all ages,” Boric said during the ceremony.

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He continued by expressing his commitment to human rights and condemned the violations committed in Gaza, once again calling Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a war criminal.

“In the defence of humanity, there is no room for half measures. It is in the defence of humanity that we are meeting here today. We are deeply hurt and shocked by what is happening in Gaza – and not only in Gaza, but also in the West Bank,” Boric added.

“It seems that we have to choose between types of barbarism, but we do not have to choose, I choose humanity, and what Benjamin Netanyahu is doing is a war crime, a crime against humanity.”

President Boric concluded by saying: “From Chile, we call on the entire world to reflect on this suffering during a time of year that symbolises family unity, togetherness, joy and reflection. We urge the international community, particularly the most powerful nations, to go beyond mere words and take concrete action to end this massacre.”

Chile’s President Gabriel Boric, in Santiago, December 2024 [Palestinian community in Chile]

During the event, Boric signed the Golden Book of the Palestinian Community Club, leaving a message that emphasised peace and unity for both nations. As a token of appreciation, the Palestinian Community presented the president with a babygrow featuring the map of Palestine, celebrating the upcoming arrival of his child.

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Maurice Khamis Massu, president of the Palestinian Community of Chile, expressed gratitude to Boric for his words and steadfast commitment to international law and human rights. “As a community, we deeply appreciate President Boric accepting our invitations and joining us in this meaningful ceremony. Together, we light a flame that transcends borders and unites us in the shared hope for a more just future. We are profoundly thankful for his unwavering support for Palestine and the Palestinian community in Chile,” he said.

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“Chile has demonstrated this solidarity since the late nineteenth century, when the first immigrants from Palestine arrived. This enduring bond reflects the country’s long-standing commitment to supporting our people and cause.”

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Chile is home to the largest and oldest Palestinian community outside the Arab world. The community decided not to light the Christmas tree or hold any festive activities last year due to the events in the Gaza Strip. Instead, they organised a candle lit vigil in memory of the thousands of children who lost their lives in Gaza.

Chile’s President Gabriel Boric (R) and the president of the Palestinian community in Chile, Maurice Khamis, talk during the “Palestinian Christmas: From Bethlehem to Chile, a light of hope” ceremony in Santiago on December 17, 2024. [Javier TORRES / AFP/ Getty Images]