Thu Jan 09 20:44:03 UTC 2025: **Poland Guarantees Safe Passage for Israeli Officials at Auschwitz Commemoration Despite ICC Warrant**
WARSAW – Despite an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Poland has assured Israeli officials safe passage to attend the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp on January 27, 2025.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced Thursday that the government has adopted a resolution guaranteeing the safety and freedom of movement for all senior Israeli officials attending the commemoration, including Netanyahu. This comes after President Andrzej Duda wrote to Tusk requesting uninhibited access for Netanyahu to the event.
The ICC issued arrest warrants in November for Netanyahu, former defense minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas commander Ibrahim a-Masri on war crimes and crimes against humanity charges. While Poland, as an ICC member state, is obligated to detain individuals with outstanding warrants, the government has made a clear exception for this event. The resolution emphasizes the importance of honoring the memory of the millions of Holocaust victims, many of whom were Jewish.
Tusk confirmed that the Israeli embassy has indicated that the country’s education minister will represent Israel at the ceremony. While Netanyahu has attended previous Auschwitz commemorations, his attendance this year remains unconfirmed. Israel, not an ICC member, disputes the court’s jurisdiction.
First Piper 