Colombia and Norway Support ICC Arrest Warrants for Netanyahu
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has expressed his country's commitment to the International Criminal Court (ICC) by stating that Colombia will arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Galant if they enter Colombian territory. In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera, Petro condemned Israel's military actions in Gaza, describing them as a genocide aimed at preventing the establishment of a Palestinian homeland. He criticized the West's role in exacerbating the conflict and emphasized the need for accountability for war crimes.
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide echoed Colombia's stance, affirming that Norway would execute any ICC arrest warrants against Netanyahu and Galant upon their arrival in the country. Eide highlighted Norway's commitment to international law and the necessity of adhering to the ICC's decisions, reinforcing the principle that no one is above the law.
Erdogan's Support for ICC Decision
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has also welcomed the ICC's decision to issue arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Galant, calling it a courageous move. Erdogan urged all countries that are signatories to the Rome Treaty to uphold the court's decision, emphasizing the importance of restoring faith in the international justice system. He reiterated Turkey's commitment to holding Israeli leaders accountable for their actions in Gaza, which he described as war crimes.
Erdogan's remarks come in the context of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where the humanitarian situation has deteriorated significantly, with reports of over 148,000 Palestinians dead or wounded since the outbreak of hostilities on October 7, 2023. The Turkish president's statements reflect a broader call for international accountability in response to the violence in the region.
International Reactions and Calls for Accountability
European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has also weighed in on the ICC's decision, asserting that it is not a political issue and that all EU member states are obligated to comply with the court's rulings. Borrell emphasized that justice and peace cannot be achieved without accountability, criticizing nations that have remained silent on the ICC's actions against Netanyahu while previously supporting similar warrants against other leaders, such as Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The ICC's decision to issue arrest warrants against Netanyahu and Galant follows a request from ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan, who cited their alleged responsibility for war crimes in Gaza. As the international community grapples with the implications of these developments, the calls for accountability and adherence to international law continue to resonate across various nations.
