US Sanctions Stall ICC War Crimes Investigations The Hague

U.S. sanctions imposed by President Donald Trump against the International Criminal Court (ICC) and its Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan have severely disrupted the court's operations, hindering investigations into alleged war crimes including those related to Israeli officials and genocide in Sudan. The sanctions, issued after the ICC issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, block Khan's access to his email and bank accounts and ban him and other non-American ICC staff from entering the U.S. American ICC staff have been warned they could face arrest if they return to the U.S., leading to resignations and diminished cooperation with NGOs and contractors. Human rights advocates warn these measures prevent victims from accessing justice and have chilled the court's ability to conduct basic functions. The Netherlands, hosting the ICC, faces operational challenges as it supports the court's detention and security functions. ICC officials express grave concerns about the court's viability under continued U.S. sanctions, describing the sanctions as attacks on the international rule of law and accountability efforts.