- Leftist economist Luis Arce assumed the Bolivian presidency facing the challenge of uniting a polarized society and reactivating an economy ravaged by the coronavirus pandemic. Bolivia on Tuesday announced it has cut off diplomatic ties with Israel as a result of the civilian deaths caused by its war in the Gaza Strip, while Chile and Colombia have recalled their ambassadors to the Middle Eastern country for consultations. The Bolivian decision took place after a Monday meeting with the Palestinian ambassador to the South American country, said Maria Nela Prada, minister of the Bolivian presidency, in an update. "The government of Bolivia's decision to cut diplomatic ties with Israel is a surrender to terrorism and to the Ayatollah's regime in Iran," Israel's Foreign Ministry said in a statement. It added, "In any case, since the change of government in Bolivia, relations between the countries have been devoid of content."

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Persons: Luis Arce's, Marianela Prada, Luis Arce, AIZAR RALDES, Maria Nela Prada Organizations: Casa, Bolivian, Getty Images, Tuesday, CNBC Locations: del Pueblo, La Paz, AFP, Israel, Gaza, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Palestinian, American, Iran, Bolivian