International
ICC Defies Trump’s Sanctions, Vows to Continue War Crimes Probes
- ICC defies U.S. sanctions after Trump orders restrictions over Netanyahu arrest warrant.
- Trump accuses the court of “illegitimate actions” after it targets Israeli and Hamas leaders.
- The Netherlands and ICC allies condemn U.S. move, vowing to uphold international justice.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has vowed to continue its judicial work despite U.S. President Donald Trump signing an executive order imposing sanctions on its staff.
In a statement, the ICC condemned the move, asserting that it “stands firmly” by its personnel and denouncing the order as an attempt to undermine its “independent and impartial” work.
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Trump’s executive order accuses the ICC of engaging in “illegitimate and baseless actions” following its decision to issue an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over alleged war crimes in Gaza—allegations that Israel denies. The court also issued a warrant for a Hamas commander.
As an international tribunal, the ICC has the authority to prosecute cases of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. However, neither the U.S. nor Israel are members of the court, whereas more than 120 countries, including the UK and several European nations, recognize its jurisdiction.
In response to the sanctions, the ICC reaffirmed its commitment to its mission, stating: “The Court stands firmly by its personnel and pledges to continue providing justice and hope to millions of innocent victims of atrocities across the world, in all situations before it.”
Over the years, the ICC has also issued arrest warrants for other global figures, including Russian President Vladimir Putin for alleged war crimes in Ukraine, Taliban leaders for the persecution of Afghan women and girls, and Myanmar’s military leader for crimes against the Rohingya Muslims.
Trump’s order, signed while Netanyahu was visiting Washington, enforces financial and visa restrictions on individuals and their families who assist in ICC investigations involving U.S. citizens or allies.
Judges at the ICC determined there were “reasonable grounds” to believe that Netanyahu, former Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif bore “criminal responsibility” for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. Deif’s death in an Israeli airstrike last year has since been confirmed by Hamas.
The Netherlands, which hosts the ICC, expressed disapproval of Trump’s order. “The court’s work is essential in the fight against impunity,” Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp stated on X.
Meanwhile, a White House memo circulated on Thursday accused the ICC of creating a “shameful moral equivalency” between Hamas and Israel by issuing warrants against both parties simultaneously.
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Trump’s executive order argued that the ICC’s actions “set a dangerous precedent,” exposing Americans to “harassment, abuse, and possible arrest” while also threatening U.S. sovereignty and undermining national security efforts.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar praised Trump’s decision, stating on X that he “strongly” commended the executive order. He further accused the ICC of acting “immorally” and lacking a legal foundation, claiming the court does not operate “in accordance with international law.”
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