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
#Petro #celebrates #arrest #warrant #Netanyahu #defends #ruling
How has the international community responded to the ICC’s arrest warrant for Netanyahu, and what implications might this have for future peace negotiations in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?
## Interview: Colombia and the ICC Arrest Warrant for Netanyahu
**Host:** Joining us today to discuss the recent developments surrounding the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is Dr. Ana Maria Ramirez, a professor of international relations specializing in Latin American politics. Dr. Ramirez, thank you for being here.
**Dr. Ramirez:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** President Gustavo Petro of Colombia has been quite vocal in his support of the ICC warrant, calling it “logical” and urging the international community to follow the ruling. What are your thoughts on Petro’s stance?
**Dr. Ramirez:** President Petro has long been a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights. His strong stance on the ICC warrant reflects his broader commitment to international justice and his condemnation of Israel’s actions in Gaza. He is not alone in his condemnation, as many world leaders and organizations have expressed concern over the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.
**Host:** Petro went further, labeling Netanyahu a “genocidaire” and implying that President Biden has a responsibility to recognize the ICC’s order. How significant is this statement and what could be the potential ramifications?
**Dr. Ramirez:** This is certainly a very strong statement from President Petro that is bound to generate significant international reaction. He is directly challenging the US, a staunch ally of Israel, by calling on President Biden to uphold the ICC’s ruling. This could strain relations between Colombia and the United States and add another layer of complexity to an already fraught geopolitical situation.
**Host:** The ICC warrant for Netanyahu is based on allegations of war crimes in Gaza. What is the broader international response to this development and how might it shape future peace negotiations in the region?
**Dr. Ramirez:** The international response to the ICC warrant has been largely divided. Some countries, like Colombia, have voiced strong support for the court’s decision, while others, including the United States, have criticized it. This lack of consensus makes it unclear what the long-term impact of the warrant will be on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. However, it undoubtedly raises the stakes for all parties involved and could complicate efforts to reach a peaceful resolution.
**Host:** Dr. Ramirez, thank you for sharing your insights with us today.
**Dr. Ramirez:** It was my pleasure.