The International Criminal Court (ICC) faced significant operational challenges in 2025 due to sanctions imposed following its investigation into alleged war crimes by Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. These sanctions, particularly affecting key personnel like chief prosecutor Karim Khan, have led to disruptions in essential functions such as email access and banking.
The U.S. sanctions, authorized by former President Donald Trump, have been widely condemned as undermining international justice and the ICC's independence. The sanctions include asset freezes and entry bans, not only for ICC officials but also potentially for those who support the court's work. This has created a chilling effect, with some NGOs and service providers hesitating to engage with the ICC.
Despite these challenges, the ICC continues its work, including investigations into the situation in Palestine and arrest warrants for individuals accused of war crimes. However, the sanctions have undoubtedly hampered the court's ability to execute warrants, secure witness cooperation, and investigate global conflicts effectively. The EU has been urged to take concrete actions to protect the ICC from the effects of these sanctions.