ICC Chief Prosecutor Steps Aside Amid Sexual Misconduct Probe, Netanyahu Arrest Warrants Pending

Karim Khan, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), has temporarily stepped down amid a UN-led investigation into multiple allegations of sexual misconduct, including coercive behavior and non-consensual sex acts involving a female colleague during official trips. The inquiry, conducted by the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services, also explores concerns about possible witness intimidation and retaliation within the ICC. Khan, who controversially sought arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes in Gaza, had initially resisted stepping aside but ultimately agreed to take leave, with his deputies assuming interim leadership. The sexual misconduct allegations surfaced before Khan's announcement of the warrants, leading to speculation about potential political motivations, though no evidence has confirmed this. Meanwhile, Netanyahu canceled a trip to the Vatican amid fears of arrest linked to the ICC warrant, reflecting the diplomatic isolation Israel faces over the Gaza conflict. The ICC itself is experiencing significant challenges, including sanctions from the US and internal turmoil, as it pursues high-profile war crimes investigations.