Global movement to support the Palestinian struggle BDS Cyprus on Tuesday called on the government to deny access to Cyprus’ airspace to the plane carrying Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Hungary.

In a statement, the Cyprus branch of BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) said Netanyahu – wanted by the International Criminal Court – plans to travel to Hungary on Wednesday.

“BDS Cyprus calls on both the Cyprus government and parliament to ensure that Netanyahu’s plane is not granted overflight rights or any other services, aid or assistance and to respect the state’s legal obligations and the ICC arrest warrants,” the statement read.

The organisation noted that “all states signatories to the Rome Statute, which forms the legal basis of the ICC, are obliged to fully cooperate with the Court.

“This includes executing ICC arrest warrants and surrendering individuals sought by the Court when they are present within their jurisdiction, which extends to their entire territory, including airspace.”

BDS Cyprus cautioned that if Netanyahu is able to travel, “this would not only put the government and judicial system in Hungary in open violation of their legal obligations; it would also declare the demise of international law. Any State that allows overflight rights to Israel Prime Minister’s plane or gives any other aid or assistance would be an accomplice in both.”

The Cyprus Mail contacted the government about the BDS statement. A source said the government had no comment at this time.

BDS groups in other countries also issued pleas to other nations over which Netanyahu might fly.

Last October the ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant, at the time Israel’s defence minister.

The court charged the two with war crimes, including the use of starvation as a method of warfare, and the crimes against humanity of murder, persecution and extermination.

Netanyahu’s office said over the weekend that the Israeli leader would be traveling to Hungary this week – a move in defiance of the ICC arrest warrant.

All European Union member states are members of the ICC, meaning they are required to enforce its warrants.

It will be Netanyahu’s second trip abroad since the ICC announced the warrants, following a visit to Washington in February to meet US President Donald Trump.