ICC Prepares for US Sanctions Amid Fallout Over Gaza Investigation

The International Criminal Court ICC Prepares for US Sanctions following a controversial move to issue arrest warrants for Israeli officials over actions in Gaza.

Advance Salary Payments and Data Backup

In preparation for possible financial restrictions, the ICC has reportedly paid staff salaries three months in advance. The court is also safeguarding evidence due to concerns that U.S.-based companies, like Microsoft, might be forced to terminate partnerships under the sanctions.

Proposed U.S. Legislation Targets ICC

A bill in the U.S. House of Representatives seeks to impose sanctions on individuals involved in prosecuting U.S. citizens or nationals of allied countries, including Israel. While the precise scope of the sanctions is unclear, they could severely limit the ICC’s financial and operational capabilities.

Historical Precedents of Retaliation

This is not the first instance of U.S. opposition to the ICC. In 2020, the Trump administration sanctioned ICC officials investigating alleged war crimes by U.S. forces in Afghanistan. These actions disrupted the court’s efforts to hold accountable those responsible for international crimes.

Threat to Financial Transactions

If passed, the sanctions could hinder the ICC’s ability to conduct financial transactions through banks tied to the U.S. or operating in U.S. dollars. Such restrictions would pose a significant threat to the court’s financial stability.

ICC’s Global Role and Non-Member States

The ICC, a 125-member body, prosecutes individuals for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. However, key global powers such as the United States, China, Russia, and Israel are not members, often challenging its jurisdiction and actions.

Warnings of Operational Collapse

ICC President Tomoko Akane has warned that sanctions could rapidly destabilize the court’s operations, jeopardizing its ability to pursue justice in various cases and threatening its survival.

“ICC Prepares for US Sanctions Amid Fallout Over Gaza Investigation”