Photo credit: Reuters
The Central American nation of Nicaragua has said it is breaking off diplomatic relations with Israel.
Reuters reports that, in a statement in which the Nicaraguan government described the Israeli government as “fascist” and “genocidal,” it said the break in relations was due to Israel’s attacks on Palestinian territories.
The nation’s congress had, earlier in the day, passed a resolution requesting Nicaragua take action to coincide with the first anniversary of the Gaza war.
According to the Nicaraguan government, the conflict now also “extends against Lebanon and gravely threatens Syria, Yemen and Iran.”
The Middle East is threatened by further regional escalation after Iran launched a barrage of missiles at Israel on October 1. Iran is supporting the Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah, which Israel is targeting in a series of recent deadly attacks.
Iran is also an ally of Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega’s administration. Nicaragua has become increasingly isolated after Ortega cracked down on anti-government protesters in 20118. Human rights groups are saying it left three hundred people dead.
