Poland to Guarantee Netanyahu Safe Passage for Auschwitz Commemoration

Poland Seeks Assurance for Netanyahu’s Attendance at Auschwitz commemoration

Warsaw, Poland – Polish President Andrzej Duda has formally requested the government guarantee the safety and undisturbed⁣ stay of Israeli Prime‍ minister Benjamin Netanyahu should he choose to attend the upcoming commemoration of the 79th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.

The request comes amidst an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant issued against Netanyahu in November 2023 for alleged war crimes in Gaza. ⁢The warrant could lead to his ‍arrest if he travels to any of the 120 countries that are parties to the ICC.

Duda,from the opposition Law and Justice party,sent a letter to ⁤Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s government,urging them to ensure netanyahu’s protection during his potential visit ⁤to‍ Poland on January 27th.

“The government of Poland should guarantee [Netanyahu] an undisturbed stay on ⁣the territory of our country in these absolutely exceptional circumstances,”⁤ Duda wrote, according to Polish media outlet Interia.

Netanyahu has not publicly expressed a desire to ‍attend the commemoration, nor has he been invited by the Auschwitz Museum, which has stated that invitations were extended only to Holocaust survivors.The potential visit has sparked debate in Poland, with some questioning the appropriateness of welcoming a leader facing‍ such serious allegations. Others argue that Netanyahu’s ‍presence ⁢would be a powerful symbol of solidarity with the Jewish people⁢ and a reminder of the horrors ⁣of the Holocaust.

The Polish government has yet to publicly respond to Duda’s request. The situation remains fluid, and it is indeed unclear whether Netanyahu will ultimately decide to attend the commemoration.