U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced new sanctions on Thursday aimed at the International Criminal Court (ICC), which is currently investigating alleged war crimes involving the United States and Israel. These sanctions, targeting four judges of the ICC, were enforced under an executive order originally issued by former President Donald Trump. The order condemns the ICC’s actions as “illegitimate and baseless” against America and its ally, Israel.
The ICC responded to the sanctions by expressing strong disapproval, labeling them as a “clear attempt to undermine the independence” of an organization established by the support of 125 member states. They emphasized their commitment to continuing their work in accordance with their founding Rome Statute, aimed at delivering justice for victims of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The sanctioned judges include Solomy Balungi Bossa from Uganda and Luz del Carmen Ibáñez Carranza from Peru, who have been involved in ICC investigations concerning U.S. personnel in Afghanistan. Reine Adelaide Sophie Alapini Gansou from Benin and Beti Hohler from Slovenia were sanctioned in relation to the ICC’s arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, both accused of war crimes.
Rubio stated that the United States will take necessary measures to defend its sovereignty and that of its allies from what it perceives as the ICC’s overreach. He urged nations that still support the ICC to reconsider their backing in light of what he referred to as a “disgraceful attack” on American and Israeli interests.
The ICC, in its statement, highlighted that these sanctions threaten not just individual judges, but also the integrity of the court itself and the victims it seeks to protect. The court argued that targeting its personnel ultimately undermines the pursuit of accountability for war crimes, thus risking further emboldening those who commit such acts.
This development underscores ongoing tensions between the U.S. and the ICC, with implications for international justice and accountability. While the U.S. showcases its sovereignty stance, the ICC maintains its mission to ensure justice for victims worldwide, promising to remain undeterred in its operations.
Amid these challenges, the ICC’s determination to uphold international justice is a beacon of hope for victims of war crimes, emphasizing that accountability should not be overshadowed by political disputes.