United States Announces Sanctions on Four ICC Female Judges Over Gaza and Afghanistan Investigations
The US imposed sanctions on four International Criminal Court judges, citing ongoing probes into the Gaza conflict and Afghanistan, and reinforcing opposition to the court’s authority.
On June 5, 2025, the United States announced sanctions against four female judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC), citing the court’s ongoing investigations related to the Gaza conflict and events in Afghanistan. The US State Department insisted the move was a response to what it described as unfair and biased decisions targeting both the United States and Israel. Secretary of State Marco Rubio publicly criticized the ICC’s actions, stating they demonstrated persistent prejudice against the two countries.
The sanctions, which include an asset freeze and a ban on American companies conducting financial transactions with the named judges, are legally grounded in an executive order signed by President Donald Trump in February. The targeted judges are Solomy Balungi Bossa, Luz del Carmen Ibáñez Carranza, Reine Alapini-Gansou, and Beti Hohler. The US government emphasized that these measures are a direct reaction to specific ICC investigations and decisions it considers illegitimate.
Both the United States and Israel continue to reject the legitimacy and jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court on the global stage. Despite international criticism, US officials maintain their stance, arguing the ICC overreaches its authority and threatens national sovereignty. The sanctions underscore ongoing tensions between the court and nations opposed to its investigations, especially on contentious issues like Gaza and Afghanistan.
