Chilean President describes Israeli PM Netanyahu as 'war criminal'

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News websites
20 Dec 2024 23:38
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Gabriel Boric condemns the actions of Netanyahu's administration in Gaza as "crimes against humanity" that should not be overlooked.

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Chile's President Gabriel Boric receives a picture painted by a child from the Terra Santa school in Beit Lahm, presented by the president of the Palestinian community in Chile, Maurice Khamis, during the "Palestinian Christmas: From Bethlehem to Chile, a light of hope" ceremony in Santiago, on December 17, 2024 (AFP)

Chilean President Gabriel Boric has labeled Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a "war criminal", reiterating his call for an immediate halt to the Israeli military's genocidal war against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

“At this time of year, as we celebrate Christmas, which symbolizes hope and humanity, we must move and think about the Palestinian people suffering in Gaza,” Boric emphasized at a Christmas event hosted by the Palestinian community in Chile.

He condemned the actions of Netanyahu's administration in Gaza as "crimes against humanity" that should not be overlooked.

The Chilean President also recalled raising concerns about human rights double standards during his participation in the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, last month.

"It is difficult to talk about human rights while turning a blind eye to the genocide taking place in Gaza. Defending humanity does not tolerate half-measures," Boric indicated.

The Chilean leader urged the international community to take decisive action to end the ongoing massacres in Gaza, stressing that "Christmas should be an occasion for reflection and action for peace, not only in Gaza, but also in the West Bank."

This marks yet another instance of Boric condemning Israeli war crimes. In June, he called Netanyahu a war criminal during the Ukraine Peace Summit in Switzerland.

Furthermore, in September, Chile joined South Africa’s case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) accusing "Israel" of committing genocide in Gaza.

In March, 620 Chilean lawyers filed a complaint with the International Criminal Court (ICC) regarding genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity committed by Netanyahu, former Israeli Security Minister Yoav Gallant, and Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, calling for their precautionary detention.