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 US response to the ICC arrest warrant impact its relationship with Israel?
## Interview with Professor Maria Hernandez on the ICC Arrest Warrant for Netanyahu
**News Anchor:** Welcome back. Mr. Petro’s comments on the ICC arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have certainly sparked international debate. To help us understand the situation better, we’re joined by Professor Maria Hernandez, an expert on international law and Middle Eastern politics. Professor Hernandez, thank you for joining us.
**Professor Hernandez:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**News Anchor:** Mr. Petro called the warrant “logical,” and stated Netanyahu is “a genocidaire”. He also said the US has a responsibility to recognize the ICC’s order. What are your thoughts on these statements?
**Professor Hernandez:** It’s important to remember the ICC issued this warrant after a thorough investigation into alleged war crimes committed during the recent Gaza conflict [[1](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/11/21/netanyahu-gallant-issued-icc-arrest-warrants-for-war-crimes-whats-next)]. The term “genocidaire” is very serious, and its use should be carefully considered. While the ICC has found grounds to issue an arrest warrant, it’s ultimately up to individual nations to decide how to act on it. President Petro’s stance is clear and reflective of his long-held support for the Palestinian cause.
**News Anchor:** You mentioned the US’s potential role. How might the US respond to this warrant and the pressure from figures like President Petro?
**Professor Hernandez:** The US has traditionally been a vocal critic of the ICC, arguing that its jurisdiction over American citizens is inappropriate. However, the issue of accountability for alleged war crimes is complex. This situation puts the US in a difficult position, especially given its close relationship with Israel. The Biden administration will likely face pressure to condemn the ICC’s move, while also navigating the international community’s expectations regarding accountability for human rights violations.
**News Anchor:** Professor Hernandez, thank you so much for providing your valuable insights on this developing story.
**Professor Hernandez:** You’re welcome.
