The International Criminal Court (ICC) yesterday condemned the issuance of a US executive order seeking to impose sanctions on it and pledged to “continue to deliver justice.”
The ICC called on its 125 member states, civil society and all countries of the world to stand together for justice and fundamental human rights.
The ICC said in a statement: “We call on member states, civil society and all countries of the world to stand united for justice and fundamental human rights.”
The ICC stressed that it stands firmly with its employees.
In this context, 79 countries expressed their support for the ICC, following the US sanctions imposed on some of its officials.
In a joint statement, these countries stressed the importance of preserving the independence and integrity of the court, expressing their regret at attempts to undermine its role and influence in achieving international justice.
The signatory states stressed that US sanctions could weaken international law and increase the risk of impunity, which would affect cases before the court. It also warned that these measures could threaten the safety of victims and witnesses, as well as affect the work of the International Criminal Court officials.
The signatory states affirmed their commitment to supporting the court and continuing its work in holding those responsible for international crimes accountable, stressing the importance of respecting international judicial institutions and not interfering in the course of justice.
On Thursday evening, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing sanctions on the International Criminal Court, which he accuses of “committing illegal acts against the United States and its close ally, Israel.”
The order, published by the White House, stipulates a ban on the entry of officials, employees and members of the International Criminal Court into the United States, as well as their relatives.
The decree also indicates the freezing of their assets in the United States.
On November 21, 2024, the court, based in The Hague, issued three arrest warrants against Netanyahu, Galant and the leader of the military wing of Hamas, Mohammed Deif.
In a related context, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa affirmed that his country continues to stand by Palestine and stand in solidarity with its people.
Ramaphosa said during the opening of Parliament for the 2025 session in Cape Town yesterday: The Palestinian people are experiencing indescribable suffering due to decades of illegal occupation.
He added: South Africa has acted in accordance with its obligations under the Genocide Convention by filing a lawsuit against the Zionist occupation entity at the International Court of Justice.
Ramaphosa stressed that his country is fully committed to the articles of the United Nations, including the principles that stipulate that all members must settle their international disputes by peaceful means.
The statements of the South African President come at a time when US President Donald Trump is talking about displacing Palestinians from the Gaza Strip and settling them elsewhere, in addition to the occupation authorities banning the UNRWA in occupied Jerusalem, in a move to liquidate its operations and thus liquidate the refugee issue.
