From the United States, sanctions are coming to the International Criminal Court: Israel thanks, UN and Europe condemn the measures 

The president of the United States, Donald Trump, has signed an executive order introducing sanctions against the International Criminal Court (CPI), accused, according to the American government, of unjustly persecuting the United States and Israel.

The order includes economic sanctions and visa restrictions for Court officials and their family members., involved in investigations against American citizens or U.S. allies.

La Trump's move was prompted by the international arrest warrant issued by the Court against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accused of war crimes for operations in the Gaza Strip. The Prime Minister Netanyahu thanked Trump for what he called “a brave decision“, stressing that the executive order “defends America and Israel from the corrupt, anti-American and anti-Semitic court that has jurisdiction".

The United States and Israel do not recognize the jurisdiction of the ICC

Neither the United States nor Israel are signatories to the 1998 Rome Statute, which established the International Criminal Court, which has the task of judging war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. Since neither Israel nor the United States were signatories they do not recognize its jurisdiction. The arrest warrant against Netanyahu and Gallant, therefore, would only oblige the states that are signatories to the treaty to carry out the arrest if the two were on their territory.

In Italy, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani called the possibility of Netanyahu's arrest "impossible”, expressing strong reservations about the Court's behavior. “Criticizing the ICC does not mean being against the institutionsi”, Tajani said, adding that “perhaps an investigation should be opened into the Court itself".

The international community's response: condemnations from Europe and the UN

Trump's decision has sparked reactions of almost unanimous condemnation in Europe and at the UN. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, said that the ICC must be able to operate freely to prosecute international crimes and ensure justice for victims.Sanctioning the Court threatens its independence and undermines the international criminal justice system”, said Antonio Costa, President of the European Council.

The United Nations also expressed deep regret towards Trump's decision and have therefore asked the American government to revoke the sanctions. Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, defined the measure as “unjustified and harmful”, urging and requesting a step back by the United States.

United Kingdom: Support for the independence of the ICC

even the British government, through a spokeswoman for Prime Minister Keir Starmer, reaffirmed its support for the independence of the ICC. Although she avoided direct criticism of Washington, the spokeswoman did suggest that she was distancing herself from the American decision, confirming the UK's adherence to the principles of international criminal justice. Given that the British government has avoided an explicit condemnation of the sanctions, one could perhaps think of an attempt by the UK to mediate between Washington and Europe.

The Rift Between the United States and the International Community

Trump's decision to impose sanctions on the ICC represents a new chapter of tension between the United States and the international community. While on the one hand Israel and some governments applaud the move, on the other hand theThe European Union and the United Nations are strongly condemning this initiative., considering it a threat to international criminal justice and efforts to combat impunity. The issue will likely continue to be debated internationally and the future of the ICC will depend on the ability of the international community to respond coherently, defending the fundamental principles on which international justice is based.