The UN Rapporteurs explained, in a statement on Monday, that Trump’s decision is considered an attack on the rule of international law.
They expressed their deep concern over Trump’s imposition of sanctions on Court officials and individuals and institutions cooperating with it.
They stressed that this decision which aims to overturn the international judicial system, will result in financial restrictions, and will weaken the Court and thus the investigation of war crimes committed in different parts of the world.
The statement pointed out that the judicial authority of the ICC has not been used in a manner contrary to international law.
It indicated that Trump’s decision will greatly undermine the work of ICC.
They also said in the statement that by trying to punish the ICC officials, the US “is empowering those who commit war crimes”.
On Thursday, Trump signed an executive order imposing sanctions on ICC officials in response to the Court issued arrest warrants in November 2024 against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defence Minister, Yoav Gallant, for committing war crimes and crimes against humanity against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
Trump claimed that the ICC “has engaged in illegitimate and baseless actions targeting America and our close ally, Israel.”
With American support, Israel committed genocide in Gaza between 7 October, 2023 and 19 January, 2025, leaving about 160,000 Palestinians dead and wounded, most of them children and women, and more than 14,000 missing.