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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What are the potential diplomatic challenges facing the United States in responding to the ICC’s warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu? [[1](https://www.cnn.com/2024/11/21/middleeast/international-criminal-court-issues-arrest-warrant-for-israeli-prime-minister-intl/index.html)]
## Interview with Professor Anya Sharma on the ICC Warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu
**Interviewer:** Professor Sharma, Colombian President Gustavo Petro hailed the ICC’s arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as “logical”, calling him a “genocidaire”. What are your thoughts on this development?
**Professor Sharma:** Well, this is certainly a highly charged situation with significant international implications. President Petro’s strong stance reflects the deep divisions within the international community regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
While the ICC has issued arrest warrants, it’s important to remember that these are based on allegations and do not equate to a guilty verdict. Netanyahu maintains his innocence, and Israel vehemently rejects the ICC’s jurisdiction in this matter.
**Interviewer:** Petro also stated that the US president, Joe Biden, has a responsibility to recognize the ICC’s ruling. What challenges might Biden face in addressing this situation?
**Professor Sharma:** This presents a complex dilemma for the Biden administration. The US traditionally enjoys a close relationship with Israel and has often shielded it from international censure. However, the ICC is an important institution upholding international law, and ignoring its warrants could undermine its credibility and possibly set a dangerous precedent.
Biden will need to navigate a careful balancing act, acknowledging the seriousness of the allegations while also considering the broader geopolitical implications and the long-standing alliance with Israel. This situation is likely to remain a major point of contention in international diplomacy for quite some time.
**Interviewer**: Thank you for sharing your insights, Professor Sharma. This is certainly a story to watch closely as it unfolds.
