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 potential international legal ramifications of Israel’s decision to contest the ICC arrest warrant?
## Interview with Dr. Ahmed Khalil on the ICC Arrest Warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu
**Interviewer:** Dr. Khalil, the ICC has issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and the President of Colombia Gustavo Petro has called this warrant “logical”. What are your thoughts on this development?
**Dr. Khalil:** This is a significant development indeed. President Petro, known for his strong stance on Palestinian rights, reflects a growing global sentiment regarding Netanyahu’s policies. The ICC’s decision clearly demonstrates that no individual, regardless of their position, is above international law.
**Interviewer:** President Petro further labelled Netanyahu a “genocidaire”. How widely held is this view, and what evidence supports this accusation?
**Dr. Khalil:** While “genocide” is a serious accusation, it’s important to remember that the ICC arrest warrant wasn’t issued based on a definitive genocide finding. Rather, the warrant focuses on allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity, specifically related to the Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories.
Many human rights organizations and scholars have documented the systematic displacement, dispossession, and human rights abuses faced by Palestinians due to these settlements. These actions could potentially constitute crimes under international law.
**Interviewer:** Israel has vowed to contest the arrest warrants. What kind of impact do you expect this decision to have on the Israeli-Palestinian peace process?
**Dr. Khalil:** This decision undeniably complicates the already fragile peace process. It strengthens the perception that Israel is not willing to be held accountable for its actions, which further erodes trust and makes negotiations even more difficult.
**Interviewer:** The US has historically been a strong ally of Israel.
How do you see the Biden administration responding to this situation, especially given President Petro’s call on Biden to recognize the ICC order?
**Dr. Khalil:** The US response will be crucial. The Biden administration faces a delicate balancing act. On one hand, they have a longstanding commitment to Israel’s security. On the other hand, they also advocate for international law and human rights. How they navigate this situation will have significant ramifications for the future of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Khalil.
