ICC Condemns Trump’s Sanctions as 79 Nations Reject Move, Netanyahu Applauds

Occupied Palestine (Quds News Network)- The International Criminal Court (ICC) has strongly condemned US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose sanctions on its officials. While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the move, the European Council warned that it undermines global justice.

On Thursday, Trump signed an executive order imposing financial penalties and visa restrictions on ICC staff and their families. He declared a national emergency, calling the court’s actions a “threat” due to its arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who have been leading the genocide in Gaza.

Trump accused the ICC of engaging in “illegitimate and baseless actions” against the US and its allies, particularly Israel. He claimed the court had wrongfully asserted jurisdiction over American and allied citizens without justification.

Netanyahu Expresses Satisfaction

In response, the ICC vowed to protect its staff and urged member states, civil society, and the global community to stand together for justice and human rights.

Netanyahu praised Trump’s decision, calling it a “bold executive order.” He claimed the ICC was a “corrupt, anti-American, and anti-Semitic court” and said the sanctions would protect both US and Israeli sovereignty. He argued that the ICC had “no jurisdiction” and was using Israel as a test case before targeting the US.

European leaders sharply criticized the sanctions. European Council President António Costa warned that targeting the ICC threatened its independence and global justice. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen defended the court, stating it ensures accountability and gives victims a voice. She reaffirmed Europe’s commitment to international law.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s spokesperson said the UK supports the ICC’s independence and has no plans to impose similar sanctions. Dutch Foreign Minister Kaspar Veldkamp, whose country hosts the ICC in The Hague, expressed “regret” over Trump’s move, calling the court’s work vital for fighting impunity.

The United Nations urged Trump to reverse the sanctions. UN Human Rights spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani said the UN deeply regretted the move and called for its repeal.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz criticized the decision, saying sanctions were the “wrong tool” and could weaken the ICC’s ability to hold dictators accountable. A German Foreign Ministry spokesperson confirmed Berlin would continue supporting the court.

Human Rights Watch slammed the sanctions, arguing they aligned the US with war criminals rather than victims.

79 Nations Stand Against Trump’s Move

A joint statement from 79 countries—including Canada, Germany, and France—rejected Trump’s sanctions, warning they “erode the international rule of law.” They argued the measures could increase impunity for serious crimes and endanger victims, witnesses, and court officials.

The sanctions target individuals assisting ICC investigations into American and Israeli nationals. They freeze assets in the US and bar affected individuals and their families from entering the country.

To counter the restrictions, the ICC took precautionary steps, including pre-paying staff salaries for three months and preparing for financial obstacles.

This is not the first time the US has taken action against the ICC. In 2020, during Trump’s first term, his administration sanctioned former ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda and a top aide over investigations into US war crimes in Afghanistan.