Nadine Osman
The former Polish President of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Piotr Hofmański, sharply criticised Poland’s decision to shield Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, from the ICC’s arrest warrant. The decision would allow Netanyahu to attend the 80th anniversary of Auschwitz’s liberation on January 27 without fear of detention.
Speaking to Polish outlet Onet, Hofmański expressed his disapproval: “I’m not deeply versed in politics, but legally, this matter is unequivocal.
An arrest warrant exists for the Israeli prime minister on allegations of war crimes, and states are obligated to act on it.”
Hofmański labelled Poland’s stance as purely political, accusing the government of disregarding its legal responsibilities. “The decision undermines the rule of law and Poland’s commitment to international obligations,” he said.
Highlighting the broader implications, Hofmański warned, “Refusing to cooperate with the ICC not only damages a state’s international standing but also questions the court’s purpose. Compliance with ICC rulings is fundamental to upholding global justice.”
Adding to the criticism, Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur, urged Poland to uphold the principles of universal justice by arresting Netanyahu if he visits. Albanese emphasised the need for consistent application of international law, noting Poland’s earlier condemnation of Mongolia for failing to arrest Russian President, Vladimir Putin, under a similar ICC warrant.
“International Criminal Court members are obliged to arrest persons subject to an ICC warrant,” Albanese wrote. “Poland, which condemned Mongolia for not arresting President Putin, should arrest Prime Minister Netanyahu if he visits. Selective application of the law erodes the universality of international justice and multilateralism.”
On January 10, Polish President, Andrzej Duda, requested measures to ensure Netanyahu’s unimpeded participation in the Auschwitz ceremony. Subsequently, Poland’s Cabinet passed a resolution guaranteeing the safety of Israeli officials during the event.
The ICC issued arrest warrants in November against Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. The charges stem from actions during Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza, which has resulted in over 46,000 deaths—most of them women and children—despite international calls, including a UN Security Council resolution, for an immediate ceasefire.
Photo: Polish President Andrzej Duda called for measures to guarantee Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s unhindered participation in the Auschwitz ceremony. (Credit: NATO/Flickr CC)
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