ICC member states must act against Israeli, US threats: HRW

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on member states of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to resist efforts by Israel and the United States to undermine the court’s work following the issuance of arrest warrants against Israeli leaders.

The organization issued a 24-page report outlining the need for ICC member countries to provide the court with the necessary political support, resources, and cooperation to carry out its mandate without obstruction.

The ICC has faced intense pressure since it issued arrest warrants on November 21 for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas commander Mohammed Deif. Following the announcement, US lawmakers threatened to impose sanctions on the court and its officials. HRW warned that such sanctions would undermine global justice, with potential repercussions for NGOs, consultants, and lawyers working on international justice issues.

HRW emphasized the importance of member countries supporting the ICC's efforts to bring justice for the most serious crimes. The organization called for concrete actions at the ICC’s annual meeting, which takes place from December 2-7, to ensure the court’s work is not obstructed by external threats. It also urged member states to condemn the actions of the US and Israel and to protect the court from coercive measures.