Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk has confirmed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will receive safe passage and not face arrest if he attends the upcoming commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz on January 27, 2025. This assurance comes amidst an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for allegations of war crimes in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The Polish government aims to provide security for any Israeli leaders participating in the significant event, which commemorates the tragic history of the Holocaust and the suffering of millions.

In a statement reflecting the sentiments shared by Polish President Andrzej Duda, Tusk emphasized the importance of honoring the Jewish nation during such commemorative events. "Anyone who wishes to attend the Auschwitz commemoration, any representative of the state of Israel, will be guaranteed security," he stated during a press conference in Warsaw, as reported by Al Jazeera.

The arrest warrant stems from the ICC's concern over the high number of casualties caused by Israel’s military operations against Hamas, following a deadly attack from the group on Israel. While over 1,200 Israelis were killed, the Palestinian death toll has reportedly surpassed 45,500, though Hamas’s health ministry has not distinguished between combatants and civilians. Israel has defended its military actions as acts of self-defense against a terrorist organization.

Poland, as a signatory of the ICC treaty, is obliged to respect the court's rulings; however, there is no enforcement mechanism for detaining individuals in countries that aren’t receptive to the ICC's authority, such as Israel. The Polish administration reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety of guests at the Auschwitz commemoration, potentially paving the way for Netanyahu's attendance, although formal invitations have not yet been extended.

In related diplomatic efforts, Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban has also indicated intentions to invite Netanyahu to an event in Budapest, despite the complexities of the ICC's legal standing regarding such visits. The resolution by the Polish government has sparked international dialogue regarding the balance between adhering to international law and facilitating respectful commemoration of historical atrocities.

As of now, it remains uncertain whether Netanyahu will attend the commemoration, although the Israeli government will likely be represented by a cabinet minister, according to Tusk’s office.

For further details, please refer to the original articles by [SCMP] and [Al Jazeera].