The president of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, considered this Thursday as “logical” the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and assured that “its ruling must be followed.”
“This is logical. Netanyahu is a genocidaire. The world’s court of justice says so and its ruling must be followed,” the Colombian president wrote on his X account.
Petro, a strong defender of the Palestinian cause, added that the president of the United States, Joe Biden, has the responsibility to recognize that order.
“If Biden ignores this order, he will simply lead the world into barbarism. Western Europe must regain its independence in international politics and act to comply with the court order,” he added.
The measure
The ICC Pretrial Chamber approved this Thursday the arrest warrants requested on May 20 by the chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, against Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, as well as against a Hamas leader.
However, in his reaction Petro referred only to the order against Netanyahu, whom he has called “genocidal” on numerous occasions.
The order against Netanyahu and Gallant is as criminally responsible and co-perpetrators of war crimes since at least October 8, 2023, including “the use of starvation as a method of war and the crimes against humanity of murder, persecution and other inhumane acts.” “committed in the Gaza Strip.
In the case of Hamas, Khan’s indictment includes six war crimes, such as hostage-taking and acts of sexual violence, and five crimes against humanity, including extermination and murder committed during the October 7, 2023 attacks.
Breakdown of relationships
In fact, Colombia announced the severance of relations with Israel that became effective on May 2 due to its opposition to that country’s actions in “the war that has been waged in the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023.”
Furthermore, the Colombian Government has on several occasions called for a ceasefire, for the release of Israeli hostages taken by Hamas and for humanitarian aid to enter Gaza, while urging Israel to respect International Humanitarian Law (IHL). .
Bogotá / EFE
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How might the international community respond to the ICC arrest warrant for Prime Minister Netanyahu?
## Interview with International Law Expert on Netanyahu Arrest Warrant
**Interviewer:** Joining us today to discuss the recent arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is Dr. Anya Sharma, a leading expert in international law and human rights. Dr. Sharma, thank you for being with us.
**Dr. Sharma:** Thank you for having me.
**Interviewer:** The arrest warrant against Prime Minister Netanyahu has sparked strong reactions around the world. Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro, for example, called the warrant “logical” and stated that “its ruling must be followed.” What does the issuance of this warrant mean in practical terms?
**Dr. Sharma:** This is a historically significant moment. The ICC’s decision to indict a sitting head of state is unprecedented, demonstrating the court’s commitment to holding even the highest officials accountable for alleged war crimes. While the warrant itself doesn’t automatically translate into Netanyahu’s arrest, it signifies a formal accusation and places significant legal and political pressure on Israel.
**Interviewer:** President Petro went further, calling Netanyahu a “genocidaire.” How common is it for political leaders to use such strong language when reacting to ICC decisions?
**Dr. Sharma:** It’s not unusual for political leaders to publicly express their opinions on ICC matters. However, using terms like “genocidaire” is highly charged and can be inflammatory. It’s important to remember that Netanyahu is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
**Interviewer:** President Petro also suggested that US President Joe Biden has a responsibility to recognise the ICC’s order. What role do other countries play in upholding the ICC’s decisions?
**Dr. Sharma:** The ICC relies on the cooperation of member states to fulfill its mandate. Countries can choose to arrest individuals subject to ICC warrants if they travel to their territories. Other forms of cooperation include providing evidence and supporting investigations. While the US is not a member of the ICC, it has historically played a complex role, at times cooperating with the court and at other times expressing reservations about its jurisdiction.
**Interviewer:** What are the potential implications of this warrant for the already-strained Israeli-Palestinian conflict?
**Dr. Sharma:** This warrant undoubtedly adds another layer of complexity to an already highly volatile situation. It could escalate tensions, further polarize opinions, and potentially hinder ongoing peace efforts. The international community will need to tread carefully to prevent the situation from worsening.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Dr. Sharma.
**Dr. Sharma:** My pleasure.
