Godsent Ogbebor
US Sanctions Palestinian Rights Groups Over ICC Push Against Israel
The United States has imposed sanctions on three Palestinian human rights organisations after they petitioned the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate and arrest Israeli leaders for alleged war crimes in Gaza.
The affected groups are Al Haq, Al Mezan Center for Human Rights, and the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights. According to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the organisations were targeted for “directly engaging” with the ICC in what Washington described as an illegitimate attempt to prosecute Israeli officials.
The move comes months after the ICC issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant on charges that include starvation of civilians as a method of warfare. A warrant was also issued for late Hamas commander Mohammed Deif, accused of planning the October 7 attacks.
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The three Palestinian organisations condemned the sanctions, describing them as “immoral, illegal and undemocratic.” In a joint statement, they said the action was aimed at silencing institutions working to hold Israel accountable for alleged atrocities in Gaza, including airstrikes on civilian areas, forced displacement, and denial of food and water.
Amnesty International also criticised Washington’s decision, calling it a “shameful assault on human rights and international justice.” The group argued that the sanctions further expose US efforts to shield Israel from accountability under global law.
Israel, like the US, is not a member of the ICC and has consistently rejected its jurisdiction. However, the court maintains authority over Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem under agreements signed by Palestinian leaders in 2015.
However, the sanctions highlight Washington’s long-standing opposition to ICC probes involving Israel. Previous US administrations had already targeted ICC officials and restricted visas for Palestinian representatives over what it described as “lawfare” campaigns at international courts.
