The US sanctions on ICC have triggered a wave of condemnation. According to Qods News Agency, Hamas said in a statement issued Friday that President Donald Trump’s decision is a grave assault on international justice and a blatant attempt to shield Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders from accountability for war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Hamas: Netanyahu’s Praise Exposes Fear of Accountability
Hamas said Netanyahu’s praise for the decision exposes his fear of accountability and his efforts to avoid facing the court. The movement urged states party to the Rome Statute to reject the sanctions, support the court and take practical steps to protect its judges and staff, stressing that defending justice requires action beyond condemnation.
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US Sanctions on ICC Spark Worldwide Opposition
According to Anadolu Agency, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the measures on Friday, saying: “Either the ICC will end its threats, or we will end the ICC.” Denmark, Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, the UK, Canada and Japan jointly rejected the sanctions, while the European Commission called the move “deeply regrettable” and said it stood ready to take measures to protect the court.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the decision a serious blow to international criminal justice. ICC President Tomoko Akane said the court would continue its mandate with independence and impartiality. Anadolu reported that Israel was the only government to publicly welcome the sanctions as of Friday. The court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant in November 2024 over alleged war crimes in Gaza.
Sources: Qods News Agency, Anadolu Agency
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