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
What are the potential implications of President Petro’s support for the ICC arrest warrant on the global response to the situation?
## A Divided World: Colombian Juan Petro Backs ICC Arrest Warrant for Netanyahu
**Interviewer**: Joining us now is Dr. Sarah Hassan, a Middle East political analyst. Dr. Hassan, Colombian President Gustavo Petro has reacted strongly to the ICC arrest warrant for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling it “logical” and stating that it “must be followed.” What are your thoughts on Petro’s response?
**Dr. Hassan**: Frostoubtedly, President Petro’s comments are a reflection of his long-standing support for the Palestinian cause. His use of the term “genocidaire” is particularly inflammatory and highlights the deep divisions surrounding this issue.
**Interviewer**: The ICC’s decision has certainly sparked international debate. What kind of impact do you expect Petro’s statement to have on the global response?
**Dr. Hassan**: Petro’s strong stance might embolden other leaders critical of Israeli policy to speak out more forcefully. Conversely, it could also further entrench the divide between those who support the ICC’s action and those who view it as politically motivated.
**Interviewer**: Petro specifically mentioned President Biden’s responsibility to recognise the ICC’s order. Do you agree with this sentiment?
**Dr. Hassan**: The US position on the ICC is complex. While the US is not a member of the court, it has historically been critical of its intervention in situations involving its allies. However, the Biden administration has also articulated a commitment to international justice. It will be interesting to see how they navigate this delicate balancing act.
**Interviewer**: This situation raises many important questions about international law, state sovereignty, and the role of the ICC. It will undoubtedly be a closely watched story moving forward. Thank you for providing your insights, Dr. Hassan.
**Dr. Hassan**: Thank you for having me. [[1](https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/icc-issues-arrest-warrants-for-netanyahu-and-gallant-for-alleged-gaza-war-crimes/)].
