THE HAGUE - The International Criminal Court (ICC) has strongly condemned the United States for imposing sanctions on four of its judges, calling the move an unacceptable attack on judicial independence.

The U.S. government announced sanctions against Second Vice-President Reine Adelaide Sophie Alapini Gansou (Benin), Judge Solomy Balungi Bossa (Uganda), Judge Luz del Carmen Ibanez Carranza (Peru), and Judge Beti Hohler (Slovenia). This follows last month's sanctions against ICC Prosecutor Karim A.A. Khan KC, escalating tensions between Washington and the court. The sanctions, according to the U.S., are in retaliation for the issuance by the court of an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

"As ICC judges, these four individuals have actively engaged in the ICC's illegitimate and baseless actions targeting America or our close ally, Israel," U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement on Thursday. "The ICC is politicized and falsely claims unfettered discretion to investigate, charge, and prosecute nationals of the United States and our allies. This dangerous assertion and abuse of power infringes upon the sovereignty and national security of the United States and our allies, including Israel."

"The United States will take whatever actions we deem necessary to protect our sovereignty, that of Israel, and any other U.S. ally from illegitimate actions by the ICC," Rubio said.

"I call on the countries that still support the ICC, many of whose freedom was purchased at the price of great American sacrifices to fight this disgraceful attack on our nation and Israel," he said.

The imposition of sanctions by the U.S. follows an executive order issued by U.S. President Donald Trump in February. On Wednesday, the day before the sanctions were announced,  the United States used its veto to defeat a UN  Security Council resolution calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, and the return of all hostages. The text, endorsed by all ten elected members of the Council, received support from the other four permanent members, but was vetoed by the United States.

"The United States vetoed a UN Security Council resolution on Gaza. This resolution would've only served to advance the interests of Hamas terrorists, while undermining diplomatic efforts," Secretary of State Rubio posted on X on Thursday. "The U.S. will continue to stand with Israel," he said.

The ICC, backed by 125 member states, denounced the U.S. sanctions as an attempt to undermine its work in prosecuting war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. "These measures are a clear attempt to weaken an independent judicial institution that delivers justice to victims of atrocities," the court said in a statement.

International Backlash

The U.S. decision has drawn sharp criticism from human rights groups and allied nations.

• European Union: The EU reaffirmed its support for the ICC, calling it "a cornerstone of international justice." A spokesperson warned that sanctions could "undermine efforts to hold perpetrators of grave crimes accountable."

• United Nations: UN human rights experts expressed alarm, stating that targeting ICC officials "sets a dangerous precedent for judicial independence worldwide."

• Human Rights Watch: The group accused the U.S. of "bullying the court instead of supporting justice for victims."

• African & Latin American Reactions: Several countries, including South Africa and Colombia, reiterated their backing for the ICC, with some calling the sanctions "an overreach of U.S. authority."

U.S. Justification

The U.S. has long opposed ICC investigations into its allies, including Israel, and previously sanctioned court officials in 2020 over a probe into alleged U.S. war crimes in Afghanistan. Washington argues the ICC lacks jurisdiction over non-member states and has accused it of political bias.

ICC Vows to Continue Its Work

Despite the sanctions, the ICC pledged to continue its investigations "undeterred," emphasizing its commitment to the Rome Statute and due process. "Targeting those who seek accountability only emboldens perpetrators of atrocities," the court stated.

The standoff raises concerns about the future of international justice, with legal experts warning that such sanctions could deter cooperation with the ICC and weaken global accountability mechanisms.