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 arrest warrant against Netanyahu impact the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian peace process?
## Interview with International Law Expert on ICC Arrest Warrant for Netanyahu
**Interviewer:** We’re joined now by Dr. [Guest Name], an expert in international law at [University Name]. Dr. [Guest Name], the International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. How significant is this development?
**Dr. [Guest Name]:** This is a highly significant development, marking the first time the ICC has issued an arrest warrant for a sitting head of state of a country not party to the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the court. This decision will undoubtedly have major geopolitical ramifications.
**Interviewer:** We’ve seen strong reactions from various world leaders, including Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who called Netanyahu a “genocidaire” and urged the United States to recognize the ICC ruling. What are the implications of such pronouncements?
**Dr. [Guest Name]:** President Petro’s statement reflects the deeply divided international response to this warrant. While some leaders, particularly those sympathetic to the Palestinian cause, will likely voice support for the ICC’s actions, others, particularly Israel’s allies, will likely condemn the move as politically motivated and an infringement on national sovereignty.
**Interviewer:** What are the practical implications of this arrest warrant for Netanyahu? Can he be arrested while traveling abroad?
**Dr. [Guest Name]:** Technically, the warrant obliges all states that are parties to the Rome Statute to arrest Netanyahu if he enters their territory. However, Israel is not a party to the statute, and many countries may choose not to enforce the warrant due to political considerations. The ICC itself lacks its own police force and relies on the cooperation of member states for enforcement. Therefore, putting the warrant into practice will be a complex and politically charged process.
**Interviewer:** This situation raises many questions about the ICC’s power and legitimacy. What are your thoughts on the future of the court following this decision?
**Dr. [Guest Name]:** The ICC faces significant challenges regarding its jurisdiction and enforcement capabilities. This case will undoubtedly test the court’s effectiveness and its ability to hold powerful individuals accountable for alleged crimes against humanity. The outcome of this situation will have significant implications for the future of international justice and the ICC’s role in it.