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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Given the US’s historical support for Israel, how likely is President Biden to recognize the ICC’s arrest warrants?
## Interview: Colombian President’s Reaction to Netanyahu Arrest Warrant
**Interviewer:** President Petro, your reaction to the ICC’s arrest warrants against Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Gallant has been strong. You’ve called the ruling ”logical” and stated that “Netanyahu is a genocidaire.” Can you elaborate on your statement?
**President Petro:** For years, I’ve witnessed the suffering of the Palestinian people under Israeli occupation. The expansion of settlements, the blockade on Gaza, the disproportionate use of force – these are all actions that have contributed to a humanitarian crisis. The ICC’s investigation and the subsequent issuance of arrest warrants are a necessary step towards holding those accountable who are responsible for these grave violations.
**Interviewer:** You’ve also urged President Biden to recognize this order. How do you see the U.S. responding, given its close relationship with Israel?
**President Petro:** The United States has a moral obligation to uphold international law and justice. Ignoring the ICC’s ruling would not only undermine the court’s authority but also send a dangerous message that impunity is acceptable. I hope President Biden will carefully consider the ramifications of his actions and choose to support accountability and justice for the Palestinian people.
**Interviewer:** Critics of the ICC argue that its actions are politically motivated and that it unfairly targets Israel. How do you respond to these criticisms?
**President Petro:** The ICC is an independent judicial body that operates based on evidence and legal principles. Its
mandate is to investigate and prosecute individuals accused of the most serious crimes – genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression. If evidence suggests that these crimes have been committed, regardless of who the perpetrators are, the ICC has a duty to act.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your time, Mr. President.
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