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US Sanctions ICC Officials Amid Gaza War Crimes Investigation

Washington, D.C. – The United States has imposed new sanctions on officials at the International Criminal Court (ICC), escalating its ongoing conflict with the court over its investigation into alleged war crimes in Gaza. The sanctions target judges Gocha Lordkipanidze of Georgia and Erdenebalsuren Damdin of Mongolia, both of whom voted against Israel’s attempt to halt the probe.

US Secretary of State Rubio accused the judges of “engaging in politicized actions targeting Israel,” arguing that the ICC’s investigation sets a “dangerous precedent for all nations.” The US, a staunch ally of Israel, has long opposed the ICC’s jurisdiction over its citizens and those of its allies, neither of which are members of the court.

This move is the latest in a series of sanctions levied by the Trump administration against ICC officials, including judges, prosecutors, and even organizations assisting the court’s investigations. Previous sanctions have targeted those involved in probes concerning US personnel in Afghanistan and the issuance of arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant.

The ICC has condemned the sanctions as a “flagrant attack against the independence of an impartial judicial institution,” vowing to continue its mandate despite US pressure. The sanctions are viewed by many as retaliation for the ICC’s issuance of arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant in November 2024 related to alleged war crimes committed during the conflict in Gaza, where over 171,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 7, 2023.

Critics warn that the US actions undermine the international legal order and could chill investigations into war crimes worldwide. Sarah Leah Whitson, of Democracy for the Arab World Now (DAWN), accused Rubio of “coddling Israeli war criminals.” The foreign minister of The Netherlands, where the ICC is located, has voiced support for the court and its staff. Israel has welcomed the US sanctions.

In addition to the ICC sanctions, the US also announced sanctions on 29 vessels and management companies allegedly linked to Iran.

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