Colombian President Gustavo Petro held former US President Donald Trump responsible for the Israeli attacks in Gaza, calling him a “partner in the genocide”.

In a speech at the presidential palace “Casa de Nariño” in the capital Bogotá on Monday, Petro said: “If the current complicity with the genocide continues, the only place Mr. Trump deserves is prison.”

Petro called for the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his visit to the United States in accordance with the International Criminal Court’s decision.

In 2024, the ICC issued arrest warrants against Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, charging them with war crimes and crimes against humanity against Palestinians.

Petro added: “The United States does not actually recognize international law. The Rome Statute defines what crimes against humanity or war crimes are. Any citizen tried in these courts can be arrested by any country when passing through it, regardless of nationality. Therefore, Netanyahu can also be arrested in the United States.”

Petro announced that the free trade agreement with the United States will be reviewed, while the free trade agreement signed with Israel will be canceled.

He also renewed his call to form a joint army to liberate Palestine, saying: “The United Nations cannot kneel before a government complicit in genocide. So let’s start moving, and later we will see if we remain alone or not.”

Last Wednesday, during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly, Petro called for uniting the armies of countries that reject the genocide in Gaza to liberate Palestine.

The United States Violates International Law

Petro addressed the US decision to cancel his visa, saying: “(The United States) violates international law. It has no right to cancel the visa of anyone going to the United Nations to deliver a speech or discuss topics on the UN agenda. This is international law. If Trump forgets that or no one tells him or he does not read it himself, then someone must read it to him.”

On Friday, the US State Department announced the cancellation of Colombian President Gustavo Petro’s visa due to his pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel positions.

The State Department justified its decision by describing Petro’s actions as “reckless and provocative,” saying he “incited US soldiers to disobedience and violence.”

Petro participated on Friday in a pro-Palestine demonstration in Times Square, New York City.

With US support, Israel has been committing genocide in Gaza since October 7, 2023, resulting in 66,055 deaths and 168,346 injuries, mostly children and women, and famine that claimed the lives of 442 Palestinians including 147 children.