Sanaa: Mayor Zohran Mamdani emphasized the importance of taking the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seriously. This statement was made shortly after US President Donald Trump assured that Netanyahu would not face arrest during visits to the United States.
According to Anadolu Agency, Mamdani, during a press conference, highlighted that Netanyahu is under an ICC warrant for alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes. He referred to Netanyahu as the architect of actions in Gaza, describing the situation as a genocide against Palestinians. Mamdani stressed that his comments were founded on public records rather than personal views.
Mamdani stated the necessity of respecting ICC charges, irrespective of the individual involved. He mentioned Vladimir Putin as another example, asserting that his administration would adhere to applicable local laws. This stance underscores Mamdani's commitment to legal adherence, indicating that ICC warrants hold significant weight.
The remarks from Mamdani followed President Trump's declaration on Truth Social, ensuring that Netanyahu would not face arrest in the US. Trump emphasized that the Israeli leader would remain free from any legal actions in the country.
In an earlier conversation with The New York Times, Mamdani mentioned that New York's legal department was evaluating the potential for Netanyahu's arrest if he visited the city. Mamdani expressed his belief that the Israeli prime minister should face justice in The Hague, aligning with the ICC's stance.
In November 2024, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over accusations of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza, emphasizing the ongoing international legal discourse surrounding their actions.