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 consequences for the relationship between Israel and the United States following the ICC’s arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu?
## “A Need for Accountability?” Interview with Professor Sarah Hassan
**Interviewer:** Professor Hassan, the International Criminal Court just issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The Colombian President Gustavo Petro has labeled this a “logical” outcome. What are your thoughts on this development?
**Professor Hassan:** This is a significant development indeed. The ICC’s decision, of course, stems from allegations of war crimes committed during the recent conflict in Gaza. Petro, a longstanding advocate for Palestinian rights, sees this warrant as a matter of justice and accountability. It reflects a growing global sentiment that those in power, even heads of state, should not be exempt from facing legal consequences for alleged atrocities.
**Interviewer:** How might this impact the relationship between Israel and the United States? President Petro specifically called on President Biden to recognise the ruling.
**Professor Hassan:** This could indeed create a diplomatic dilemma for the United States. The US has traditionally been a strong ally of Israel, and openly supporting this arrest warrant could strain that relationship. However, ignoring it could also damage the US’s credibility on the international stage, particularly when it comes to upholding international law and human rights. It’ll be interesting to see how the Biden administration navigates this complex situation.
**Interviewer:** And what about the broader implications for international justice? Could this set a precedent for holding other world leaders accountable for alleged crimes against humanity?
**Professor Hassan:** Absolutely. This case highlights the increasing importance and potential of the ICC as a mechanism for international justice. If the ICC successfully pursues this case, it could send a powerful message to other leaders that they are not above the law, and contribute to deterring future atrocities.
**Interviewer:** Professor Hassan, thank you for your insights on this important and developing story. We appreciate your time.
**Professor Hassan:** You’re welcome.
