The United Nations has called on US President Donald Trump to reverse his decision to impose economic sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC). The UN expressed deep regret over the move and emphasized the importance of the ICC’s independent work in ensuring justice and accountability for serious crimes worldwide.
The US sanctions were in response to the ICC issuing arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Trump’s executive order authorizes aggressive sanctions against ICC staff and their family members involved in investigating or prosecuting US citizens or allies.
The UN’s human rights office spokesperson, Ravina Shamdasani, stressed that the ICC is fundamental to global human rights infrastructure and called for the sanctions to be reversed. Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer distanced the UK from Trump’s actions, stating that the UK supports the independence of the ICC and has no plans to sanction individual court officials.
The ICC’s work has faced obstacles in delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza, with restrictions on certain materials labeled as “dual use” by Israel. There have been concerns about the potential impact of Trump’s plans to “take over” Gaza and relocate Palestinians, with many Palestinians expressing anger and determination to resist further displacement. Israeli authorities have ordered preparations for the “voluntary” relocation of Palestinians from Gaza, a move that has sparked criticism and diplomatic actions from Egypt and Lebanon.
Overall, the UN, European Commission, and various countries have underscored the importance of allowing the ICC to carry out its work without hindrance in pursuit of justice and accountability for international crimes.
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