Hague: The International Criminal Court (ICC) has strongly condemned the United States after President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing sanctions on its officials. The ICC declared that it remains committed to delivering justice despite attempts to undermine its work.
US Sanctions Target ICC Over Arrest Warrants
Trump’s order called the ICC’s actions “illegitimate and baseless” after it issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and a Hamas commander over alleged Gaza war crimes. Israel denies the allegations. The ICC, an international tribunal, prosecutes cases of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. The America and Israel are not ICC members.
ICC’s Response: Justice Will Prevail
The ICC responded forcefully, stating:
“The ICC condemns the issuance by the US of an executive order seeking to impose sanctions on its officials and harm its independent and impartial judicial work.”
The court further assured that it stands by its personnel and will continue its mission to provide justice for victims of atrocities worldwide.
Past ICC Arrest Warrants and Global Support
The ICC has previously issued warrants against world leaders, including:
- Russian President Putin faces war crimes allegations in Ukraine
- Taliban Leaders – For persecuting Afghan girls and women
- Myanmar’s Military Rulers – For crimes against the Rohingya Muslims
Despite opposition from the US and Israel, over 120 countries, including the UK and European nations, support the ICC’s work. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said:
“The ICC must be able to freely pursue the fight against global impunity.”
The Netherlands, home to the ICC, also expressed regret over Trump’s order. Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp emphasized the court’s role in fighting injustice.
US-Israel Relations and Political Backlash
Trump signed the executive order while Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu was visiting Washington. The sanctions impose financial and visa restrictions on individuals and families assisting ICC investigations against the US and its allies.
The court ruled that Netanyahu, former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas commander Mohammed Deif bore “criminal responsibility” for alleged war crimes. However, Deif was killed in an Israeli airstrike last year.
Political Reactions
- Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar praised Trump’s order, calling ICC’s actions unjust “immoral and legally baseless.”
- The US government has repeatedly rejected ICC jurisdiction over American officials and citizens.
Legal and Economic Impact of Sanctions
Legal experts warn that the sanctions could significantly impact ICC operations. Zachary Kaufman, a former ICC prosecutor’s clerk, stated:
“The sanctions could freeze assets, block entry into the US, and disrupt the ICC’s work.”
A History of US-ICC Tensions
This is not the first time the US has taken action against the ICC. In 2020, Trump imposed sanctions on officials investigating alleged US war crimes in Afghanistan. His administration blocked former ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda from entering the US and froze her assets. These measures were later reversed by President Joe Biden.
Global Efforts to Defend the ICC
As the US and Israel continue to challenge the ICC, nine nations, including South Africa and Malaysia, have launched the “Hague Group” to support the court. These countries argue that the ICC plays a crucial role in upholding international justice.
What’s Next?
Despite US sanctions, the ICC remains firm in its mission. The legal battle highlights the ongoing debate over international justice, political power, and accountability for war crimes.
With support from many global leaders, the ICC is determined to continue its work, ensuring that those accused of serious crimes face justice.
