The EuroMed Human Rights Monitor has highlighted escalating tensions between Washington and the International Criminal Court (ICC), following sanctions imposed by the United States on 9 October. The move was celebrated by Israel and marks a significant escalation in pressure against the international justice body.
Rubio issued a direct threat regarding the court’s future, stating: “Either the ICC will end its threats, or we will end the ICC.” Washington characterizes the prospect of prosecution as a threat and is using sanctions to demand immunity for individuals it wishes to keep beyond the court’s reach.
According to reports, Washington is placing the ICC under financial siege by freezing assets under US jurisdiction and barring unlicensed dealings by US banks and firms. A 180-day licence permits specified operations; once it expires, those transactions are barred unless otherwise authorised.
Israel’s protection appears to be embedded in this policy. Trump’s 6 February 2025 sanctions order explicitly cited the arrest warrants for Netanyahu & Gallant. Washington was already targeting the court for pursuing Israeli leaders, long before this latest escalation.
The impact on the court’s operations has been severe. The ICC & French insurer AXA ended their contract on 1 October after failing to find a workaround for US sanctions risks without EU blocking protection, the Financial Times reported. Europe had not activated that protection, leaving US pressure to sever the tie.
For the past year, the ICC has spent resources overhauling IT & banking under sanctions. Judges have lost bank access; families have faced travel restrictions. Rights groups have curtailed legal work for victims because unlicensed dealings with sanctioned officials & groups risk US penalties.
Rome Statute Article 70 criminalises intentionally impeding ICC officials to stop their work, or retaliating for it. The monitor argues that investigation should target Trump & those directing the sanctions, asserting that punishment should fall on those committing atrocities & obstructing justice, not those pursuing them.
The ICC remains a court of last resort for victims denied justice at home. Europe & other states must protect it so cases proceed, victims are heard & power cannot buy immunity. That is how an international order of equal justice survives & earns the trust of those it has failed.
This report was produced in the Gaza Herald newsroom.
