RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil - South American leaders have expressed strong criticism against Israel over its military offensive in the Gaza Strip, with Bolivia severing diplomatic ties, Chile and Colombia recalling their ambassadors, and Brazil pleading for an immediate end to the killing of children.

The condemnation from left-wing governments in South America has intensified as thousands of Palestinians have lost their lives in Israeli airstrikes and shelling, according to health officials in Gaza.

On Tuesday, Bolivia's deputy foreign minister, Freddy Mamani Machaca, announced the cutting of ties with Israel, citing its "aggressive and disproportionate military offensive" in Gaza, which he deemed as a threat to international peace and security.

Bolivia's interim foreign minister, María Nela Prada, called for an end to Israeli attacks, which she claimed have resulted in "thousands of civilian fatalities and forced displacement of Palestinians." She also urged the lifting of restrictions on humanitarian aid and work by international organizations in Gaza.

Israel's Foreign Ministry responded by accusing Bolivia of aligning itself with the Hamas terrorist organization, which it alleged had carried out numerous attacks in Israel. The ministry condemned Bolivia's support for terrorism and its supposed submission to the Iranian regime.

Meanwhile, Chile joined the chorus of criticism by recalling its ambassador from Israel. Chilean President Gabriel Boric took to social media to express his disapproval, stating that Israel's actions were in violation of international humanitarian law and amounted to "collective punishment" in Gaza.

Colombia also summoned its ambassador from Israel, with Colombian President Gustavo Petro describing Israel's actions as "a massacre of the Palestinian people." He posted a graphic photo depicting numerous bodies wrapped in white sheets, emphasizing that the head of the state responsible for this "genocide" is a criminal against humanity.

This recent wave of condemnation further strains the already tense relationship between Israel and several leftist governments in South America. Former Bolivian President Evo Morales had severed diplomatic ties with Israel in 2009 after the country's military actions in Gaza but was later restored under a conservative administration.

Benjamin Gedan, director of the Latin America Program at the Wilson Center, believes that while some leaders' critiques of Israel's response to Hamas are principled, for others, the criticism of Israel serves as a proxy for their negative views of the United States and its allies.

Israel's narrative appears to be losing ground in Latin America, according to Oliver Stuenkel, an associate professor of international relations. Stuenkel highlights that Israel's position is increasingly unpopular, with the exception of India, whose government has shown support for Israel and condemned Hamas' attacks.

Brazil, as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and its current rotating chair, had hoped for a resolution calling for a "humanitarian pause" in the conflict between Israeli forces and Hamas. However, the United States voted against Brazil's draft, and alternative resolutions were vetoed by Russia and China.

Brazil's left-wing president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, expressed his deep sadness over the deaths of children in Gaza, which have exceeded 3,500 according to the UN. Lula criticized the inaction of the United Nations and called for an immediate end to the hostilities.

As the standoff between Israel and South American leaders continues, the international community closely watches for any potential diplomatic breakthroughs or further escalations in the Gaza conflict.