ICC deputy prosecutor says investigations press on despite new US sanctions
Deputy prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan says the International Criminal Court continues its investigations, even as US sanctions begin to affect staff banking.
Deputy prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan, co-leading the ICC until a new chief prosecutor is appointed, reported that the court’s investigations, including the Gaza war probe, have advanced significantly since arrest warrants were issued for Benjamin Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Galant in November 2024. She noted that US sanctions announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio are already causing banking hassles for some staff, even though the sanctions will not formally apply until six months after the October 9 announcement.
To shield operations, the ICC is replacing Microsoft software with European alternatives and is in talks with banks and insurers. Khan also mentioned ongoing secret applications and a separate inquiry into sexual-harassment allegations against former chief prosecutor Karim Khan. Despite the hostile stance from Washington, the court received moral support from the European Parliament, which awarded it the Sakharov prize, and continues to receive contributions from member states.
Why it matters
The ICC’s ability to pursue war crimes cases remains crucial despite political pressure and financial sanctions.
How this story developed
- Sep 29 World leaders demand UN overhaul as multilateralism faces trust crisis
- Oct 9 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the United States for sanctioning the International Criminal Court and labeled Nobel laureate Navi Pillay a bigot.
- Oct 9 The White House scheduled to announce the sanctions on Friday.
- Oct 10 ICC president Tomoko Akane issued a video urging member states to defend the court.
- Oct 10 The Norwegian Nobel Committee announced Pillay as laureate, citing her leadership of UN‑backed inquiries into contentious legal issues.
- Oct 10 The EU announced it is preparing an Election Observation Mission for the November parliamentary election.
- Oct 10 EU urged the United States to reverse the sanctions
- Oct 11 Israeli authorities barred the Central Elections Commission from East Jerusalem and Gaza, according to the Palestinian news agency Wafa.
- Oct 11 The UN80 Initiative announced a target of a 21 % reduction in secretariat staff.
- Oct 12 A judge permitted the lawsuit challenging the ICC sanctions to move forward.
- Oct 14 President Mahmoud Abbas decreed that the parliamentary election will be held on 11 September 2027.
- Oct 17 Secretary of State Marco Rubio imposed punitive measures against the International Criminal Court.
- Oct 18 Netanyahu posted the remarks on his official X account.
- Oct 18 The United States announced an expansion of its sanctions to cover the ICC and additional individuals and organizations.
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