Amnesty International has condemned the United States’ decision to impose sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC), calling it a betrayal of the global justice system.
The criticism follows an executive order signed by US President Donald Trump on Thursday, which targeted the ICC over what he described as illegitimate and baseless actions against the US and its ally, Israel.
In a statement, Amnesty’s Secretary-General, Agnes Callamard, said the move effectively signalled US support for Israel’s alleged crimes and impunity.
“This reckless action sends the message that Israel is above the law and the universal principles of international justice,” she said.
She further accused the US of undermining decades of international efforts to uphold accountability, calling the sanctions “vindictive, aggressive, and a brutal step” against the rule of law.
The sanctions come after the ICC issued arrest warrants in November against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Since October 7, 2023, Israeli military operations in Gaza have reportedly killed more than 47,000 people and left the region in ruins.
