DayofPal– Poland’s government is under fire and potentially facing legal consequences after assuring that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would not face arrest if he attends a Holocaust anniversary event at the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp later this month.
On Friday, the London-based International Centre of Justice for Palestinians issued formal warnings to Polish officials, stating that failing to enforce the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest warrant for Netanyahu would violate both international and domestic law.
Netanyahu, along with former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, is currently wanted by the ICC for alleged war crimes committed in Gaza.
As a signatory to the ICC, Poland is legally bound to enforce its warrants. Yet, on January 9, Poland’s Council of Ministers adopted a resolution ensuring the “safe participation” of Israeli leaders at the commemorations on January 27, marking the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau in 1945.
This decision places Poland in a precarious position, caught between honoring its commitment to the ICC and preserving the sanctity of a global remembrance event—a delicate balancing act that has drawn sharp criticism from legal and humanitarian organizations alike.
ICJP director Tayab Ali said: “Should the Polish government attempt to shield individuals accused of such crimes from justice, the ICJP will take immediate and robust legal action in Polish courts.
“Poland, as a state party to the ICC, has a legal and moral duty to cooperate with the Court in bringing perpetrators of serious international crimes to justice.”
Asked about Poland’s position earlier this month, a spokesperson for the European Commission called on all European Union countries “to ensure full cooperation with the court, including by the prompt execution of outstanding arrest warrants”.
Several countries including the UK, Ireland and Belgium have confirmed that Netanyahu would face arrest. In November, France said it believed Netanyahu would be covered by diplomatic immunity as a head of government.
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