US Congress proposes sanctions against International Criminal Court

Chairman of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee, Brian Mast (Republican from Florida), has introduced a bill to impose sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) over its investigations into Israel.

The legislation targets the ICC for its actions regarding Israel, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Mast introduced the bill alongside Congressman Chip Roy (Republican from Texas).

The bill sends a clear message to the ICC, Mast stated. 

The ICC's attempt to impede Israel's right to self-defence only prolonged the war and hindered the release of hostages, which boosted the morale of Hamas, he added.

The "Countering Illegal Court" bill proposes sanctions against individuals conducting investigations into US citizens, as well as those who arrest, detain, or prosecute them. Similar restrictions will apply to those who, according to the US side, target officials from NATO countries and other American allies, including Israel and Japan. 

Furthermore, the statement specifies that representatives from Taiwan may also seek similar protections from the US government. The sanctions against the ICC include a visa ban for its personnel, as well as the revocation of previously issued entry permits. Similar restrictions will be imposed on family members of ICC staff and third parties involved in rendering financial, material, or technological assistance to the organisation. 

On November 21, the International Criminal Court announced that it had issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity. These allegations are related to actions taken at least from October 8, 2023, to May 20, 2024, within Palestine, including the Gaza Strip.

The ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber believes that both individuals are criminally responsible for offenses such as murder, persecution, and other inhumane acts, as well as intentionally causing actions that lead to starvation of civilians as a method of warfare. The Israeli government has rejected all accusations, stating its intention to appeal the decision.

By Naila Huseynova