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 ramifications of the US recognizing the ICC warrant against Netanyahu?
## Colombian President Slams Netanyahu, Calls for ICC Warrant Recognition
**Host:** We’ve just received strong comments from Colombian President Gustavo Petro regarding the recent ICC arrest warrants issued against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Mr. Petro labelled Netanyahu a “genocidaire” and urged the international community, including US President Joe Biden, to uphold the court’s ruling.
Joining us now is international relations expert, Dr. Sarah Hassan, to discuss the implications of these statements. Dr. Hassan, what are your thoughts on President Petro’s reaction?
**Dr. Hassan:** President Petro has always been vocal in his support for the Palestinian cause, and his strong words about the ICC arrest warrant against Netanyahu align with that stance. While his use of the term “genocidaire” is undoubtedly inflammatory, it highlights the depth of feeling surrounding this issue. It also directly confronts the ongoing debate regarding Israel’s actions in Palestine and their categorization as war crimes.
**Host:** President Petro also stated that he believes President Biden has a responsibility to recognize the ICC’s order. How significant is this call, given the complex relationship between the US and Israel?
**Dr. Hassan:** This is incredibly significant. The United States has historically shielded Israel from international criticism and has been hesitant to endorse ICC investigations concerning Israeli activities. President Petro’s call puts pressure on the Biden administration to take a stand and potentially reassess its position on the ICC and its investigations into Palestinian territories [1](https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2024/11/israel-opt-netanyahu-gallant-and-al-masri-must-face-justice-at-the-icc-for-charges-of-war-crimes-and-crimes-against-humanity/). Any action taken by the US will have far-reaching implications for the peace process and international relations in the region.
**Host:** Dr. Hassan, thank you for your insightful analysis. This situation unfolding around the ICC warrants and the reactions from world leaders is evolving rapidly. We will continue to follow this story closely.
