The United States has imposed sanctions on officials of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in response to the court's decision to issue arrest warrants for Israeli leaders. The move escalates a long-running dispute between Washington and The Hague-based tribunal.
Sanctions target ICC prosecutors
The sanctions, announced on Tuesday, target the ICC's chief prosecutor and another senior official. The measures include asset freezes and travel bans, effectively barring the individuals from entering the United States.
The ICC had earlier issued warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes in Gaza. The court also issued a warrant for a Hamas leader.
US administration defends action
The US administration said the sanctions were necessary to protect American interests and those of its allies. The ICC, it argued, had overstepped its mandate by pursuing cases against non-member states.
The move has drawn criticism from human rights groups, who say it undermines international justice. The ICC itself has called the sanctions an attack on its independence.
Impact on international law
The sanctions mark a significant escalation in the US's confrontation with the ICC. They follow previous attempts by Washington to pressure the court, including revoking the prosecutor's visa in 2020.
The ICC has said it will continue its work despite the sanctions. The court's member states are expected to discuss the matter at their next assembly.
