The United States has imposed a new round of sanctions on staff members of the International Criminal Court following a ruling that blocked Israel’s attempt to halt a Gaza war crimes investigation. The measures target two ICC judges, Gocha Lordkipanidze of Georgia and Erdenebalsuren Damdin of Mongolia.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the judges were sanctioned for participating in efforts to investigate Israeli nationals without Israel’s consent and for voting to reject Israel’s request to pause the probe in December.
The United States has continued to support Israel’s war in Gaza through billions of dollars in military and economic aid, while accusing the ICC of politicised actions that it says set a dangerous precedent.
These reprisals are part of a broader campaign under President Donald Trump’s administration to pressure the ICC, including earlier penalties against judges, prosecutors, and even organisations assisting the court. Critics warn that such actions could undermine international justice by deterring judges, prosecutors, witnesses, and human rights groups from participating in investigations worldwide.
In response, the ICC condemned the sanctions as a flagrant attack on judicial independence and vowed to continue its mandate, warning that threatening judicial actors puts the international legal order at risk.