Just Politics

Trump sanctions ICC for probing U.S., Israel

United States President Donald Trump has imposed sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) for “illegitimate and baseless” investigations targeting U.S. and its ally Israel.

The White House announced this on Thursday, February 6, 2025.

Trump signed an executive order saying the court in The Hague had “abused its power” by issuing an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who held talks with the U.S. president on Tuesday.

He ordered asset freezes and travel bans against ICC officials, employees, and their family members, along with anyone deemed to have helped the court’s investigations.

The names of the individuals were not immediately released, but previous U.S. sanctions under Trump had targeted the court’s prosecutor.

Trump’s order said the tribunal had engaged in “llegitimate and baseless actions targeting America and our close ally Israel,” referring to ICC probes into alleged war crimes by U.S.service members in Afghanistan and Israeli troops in Gaza.

Neither the United States nor Israel are members of the court.

Trump: U.S.‘ll take over Gaza

There was no immediate reaction from the ICC, AFP reported.

But the Netherlands, the court’s host country, said it “regrets” Trump’s sanctions order.

“The court’s work is essential in the fight against impunity,” Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp said on X.

The sanctions are a show of support after Netanyahu’s visit to the White House, during which Trump unveiled a plan for the United States to “take over” Gaza and move Palestinians to other Middle Eastern countries.

The UN and legal experts have said Trump’s plan would be illegal under international law. Forcible displacement is also a crime under the ICC’s governing Rome Statute.

The Star

Segun Ojo

Recent Posts

‘I miss you,’ D’banj tells late son in emotional tribute

Nigerian singer Daniel Oyebanjo, popularly known as D’banj, has paid an emotional tribute to his…

6 hours ago

INEC clears Pantami, Gwarzo, rejects Adebutu’s petition

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cleared former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy,…

6 hours ago

Arsenal lose appeal against Dowman red card in Fleetwood defeat

Arsenal have lost their appeal against Max Dowman's red card in their stunning Carabao Cup…

9 hours ago

Agbara Nla hits US cinemas after $173,650 overseas haul

Nigerian faith-based film Agbara Nla: The Return is set to open in select US cinemas…

9 hours ago

Army graduates 384 female soldiers

The Nigerian Army has graduated 384 female soldiers after completing Exercise SHINING STAR 2026, a…

10 hours ago

Senatorial seat: Okorocha lauds court verdict, thanks Tinubu

Former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha has expressed joy over the judgement by the Federal…

10 hours ago

This website uses cookies.