U.S. President Donald Trump has reimposed sanctions on International Criminal Court (ICC) officials investigating U.S. citizens and Israeli leaders. The move follows ICC arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his defense chief, alongside three Hamas leaders.
Trump’s executive order, signed Thursday, restores measures from his first term, aiming to block ICC investigations into U.S. and Israeli officials. The move comes as Netanyahu visits Washington, reinforcing Trump’s longstanding opposition to the court.
The ICC, founded in 2002, prosecutes war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity, but enforcement depends on its 124 member states under the Rome Statute. The U.S., Israel, Russia, and China never ratified the treaty and are not required to comply with its rulings.
Under international law, ICC member states must arrest indicted individuals if they enter their territory, though enforcement is inconsistent. Sudan’s Omar al-Bashir, accused of genocide in Darfur, traveled freely for years. Russian President Vladimir Putin also faces an ICC warrant over the war in Ukraine, but remains free.
Trump’s administration has long argued the ICC is politically biased, claiming it unfairly targets the U.S. and Israel while failing to investigate other global actors. In 2020, Trump first imposed sanctions on ICC officials, insisting the court had no authority over non-member states.
The ICC prosecutor’s office, led by Karim Khan, recently issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Israel’s defense minister, and three Hamas leaders, accusing both sides of war crimes in Gaza. Israel and Hamas have dismissed the charges, rejecting the ICC’s authority.
Trump’s sanctions specifically target ICC officials pursuing cases against U.S. personnel and allies, not Hamas leaders. The move is consistent with his administration’s previous stance, viewing ICC investigations into Israel and American forces as illegitimate.
Trump’s sanctions complicate ICC investigations, potentially discouraging cooperation, limiting funding, and stalling cases involving the U.S. and its allies. While the ICC insists it will continue its work, enforcement depends on member states’ willingness to comply.
By sanctioning ICC officials, Trump signals a broader challenge to international legal mechanisms, reinforcing U.S. opposition to external prosecution of its leaders and allies.
Iran has launched missiles and drones targeting U.S. military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait, according to Iranian state media and a U.S. official, in re...
Fourteen people were killed on Sunday after a helicopter belonging to Saudi oil giant Aramco crashed in Ras Tanura, according to Saudi state media....
More than 1,300 excess deaths have been recorded across Europe since June 21 as the continent faces extreme heat, World Health Organization Director-G...
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said the country is going through a “difficult period”, but has learned much from it, according to state news...
Pope Leo has expressed solidarity with people in Venezuela after twin earthquakes struck the country earlier this week, causing widespread damage and ...
Iran has launched missiles and drones targeting U.S. military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait, according to Iranian state media and a U.S. official, in retaliation for recent U.S. strikes on Iran.
France has recorded 1,000 excess deaths during the severe heatwave that swept across Europe, according to the country's public health agency, which warned the final toll is likely to rise.
Lebanon says Israeli air strikes and ground operations have damaged or destroyed historic landmarks across the country's south, raising fears that parts of its cultural heritage have been lost forever.
The World Cup knockout stage is finally ready to begin after 72 group matches trimmed the expanded 48-team field down to 32.
France said on Saturday it was considering taking reciprocal measures after Burkina Faso broke off diplomatic relations.
Japan remained on high alert Saturday as Typhoon Mekkhala approached the eastern coast after Typhoon Higos weakened into a tropical depression. Authorities warned of continued heavy rain, flooding, and landslides, according to media reports.
A tanker reported being struck by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, Britain's maritime security agency said, after the United States and Iran each launched strikes in the worst escalation since they signed their interim peace deal.
Germany and Poland are bracing for sweltering conditions as a deadly heatwave that has gripped Western Europe moves east, with temperatures expected to approach 40°C over the weekend.
Iran had a stoppage-time goal disallowed as they drew 1-1 with Egypt in their final Group G match at Seattle Stadium on Friday.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said the country is going through a “difficult period”, but has learned much from it, according to state news agency TASS.
Pope Leo has expressed solidarity with people in Venezuela after twin earthquakes struck the country earlier this week, causing widespread damage and leaving communities in urgent need of assistance.
Eleven people were killed when a small plane carrying skydivers crashed near Nancy in eastern France on Sunday, local officials said.
France has recorded 1,000 excess deaths during the severe heatwave that swept across Europe, according to the country's public health agency, which warned the final toll is likely to rise.
Lionel Messi made World Cup history as Argentina finished top of Group J, while Austria and Algeria both reached the Round of 32 after a dramatic draw that ended Iran's hopes of progressing.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment