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 does President Petro’s history of advocacy for the Palestinian cause influence his reaction to the ICC warrant?
## Interview: Colombian President Petro on ICC Warrant for Netanyahu
**Interviewer:** Joining us today is [Alex Reed Name], expert on international relations, to discuss the recent arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
**Alex Reed:** Thank you for having me.
**Interviewer:** The ICC accused Netanyahu of war crimes related to the recent conflict in Gaza. Immediately following the announcement, Colombian President Gustavo Petro tweeted his support for the warrant, calling Netanyahu a “genocidaire” and stating that the ICC ruling “must be followed.” What are your thoughts on President Petro’s reaction?
**Alex Reed:** President Petro has consistently been a vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause and a critic of Israeli policies. His strong reaction is not surprising, given his history of advocacy. It’s important to note that the term “genocidaire,” carries significant weight and implies intent to destroy a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group. Using such strong language reflects the gravity with which Petro views the situation.
**Interviewer:** The ICC’s move has been met with mixed reactions globally. Some countries, like Colombia, have expressed support, while others, including Israel and the United States, have questioned the legitimacy of the warrant. What are the potential implications of this arrest warrant for international relations?
**Alex Reed:** This warrant could significantly strain relations between Israel and its allies, particularly the United States, which traditionally shields Israel from international scrutiny. It also raises complex questions about the ICC’s jurisdiction and the potential for political interference in its investigations.
**Interviewer:** President Petro also called on President Biden to recognize the ICC ruling. Do you think the United States is likely to act on this call?
**Alex Reed:**Given the longstanding US-Israel alliance, it’s unlikely that the Biden administration will actively enforce this warrant. However, the ICC’s investigation and potential trial could still create significant diplomatic pressure on the US government to reassess its relationship with Israel.
**Interviewer:** This is a complex and developing story. Thank you for sharing your insights with us today.
