WARSAW, Poland — Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk has confirmed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will be allowed to attend commemorations for the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz without the risk of arrest under an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant. Tusk stated, “Whoever will come to Oswiecim for the celebrations in Auschwitz will be assured of safety and will not be detained,” reiterating Poland's commitment to the **safe participation** of Israeli leaders in this significant event.

The ICC had issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu and others due to allegations of war crimes related to the ongoing conflicts in Gaza following a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. The warrant raises complex legal issues for Poland, which is a signatory to the ICC treaty and thus obligated to arrest individuals subject to outstanding warrants. However, both Tusk and Polish President Andrzej Duda have emphasized the importance of the Auschwitz commemoration, advocating for the Israeli leader to participate “unhindered.”

The commemorative event, set for January 27, 2025, marks the liberation of one of the most notorious Nazi concentration camps, where over **1.1 million** victims, predominantly Jews, perished. AP News reports that the Polish government considers this memorial a tribute to the Jewish victims of the Holocaust, stating, “every representative of the authorities from Israel should have the opportunity to participate.”

The Polish Foreign Ministry indicated that it has not received any confirmation regarding Netanyahu's attendance, noting that the Israeli government might send a cabinet minister instead. Tusk’s assurance follows Duda's request to provide Netanyahu with protection during the anniversary event. This request aligns with the broader narrative of strained relations between Duda’s administration and Tusk’s centrist government.

Despite the legal complexities involved, the Polish government appears poised to ensure that Netanyahu and other Israeli officials can honor the memory of those who suffered at Auschwitz without legal repercussions. This stance has been supported by several European leaders, including Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who previously disregarded the ICC warrant, inviting Netanyahu to attend events in Hungary.

The resolution respecting Netanyahu's right to attend is a clear reflection of Poland's sensitivity towards historical atrocities and its diplomatic ties with Israel. The Auschwitz commemoration aims to remind the world of the horrific events that transpired during World War II, echoing the persistent need for remembrance and reconciliation.

For more information on the significance of this event and the legal discussions surrounding Netanyahu’s potential visit, see coverage on SCMP and CBS News.