President Trump Signs Executive Order Sanctioning International Criminal Court Amid Controversy

TDT | USA

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In a decisive move that has sparked global debate, President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC). The order, which targets individuals and their families assisting in ICC investigations of American citizens or allies, places financial and visa restrictions on those involved.

The executive order, signed as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Washington, follows recent ICC actions that have drawn ire from the United States and Israel. Last November, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu over alleged war crimes in Gaza—allegations vehemently denied by Israel. The court also issued a warrant for a Hamas commander in connection with the same conflict.

ICC: A Global Court Under Fire

The International Criminal Court, headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands, is a global tribunal established to prosecute cases of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. Over the years, it has issued arrest warrants for high-profile figures, including Russian President Vladimir Putin for alleged war crimes in Ukraine, Taliban leaders for the persecution of Afghan girls and women, and Myanmar’s military leaders for crimes against the Rohingya Muslims.

Despite having more than 120 member countries, including the UK and many European nations, the ICC does not have the support of the United States and Israel, which have consistently rejected its jurisdiction.

Condemnation and Defense

The Netherlands, which hosts the ICC, expressed regret over Trump's order. Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp emphasized the importance of the court’s work in combating impunity, calling it “essential.”

A White House memo circulated on Thursday accused the ICC of creating a “shameful moral equivalency” between Hamas and Israel by issuing simultaneous warrants. The executive order claimed that the ICC’s actions “set a dangerous precedent” and could expose Americans to “harassment, abuse, and possible arrest.”

Support from Israel

Netanyahu praised Trump's move, describing the executive order as a “remarkable decision” that underscores the United States’ unwavering support for Israel. During his visit to Washington, the Israeli prime minister presented Trump with a golden pager, symbolizing a past Israeli operation against Hezbollah.

A Controversial Plan for Gaza

Adding further controversy, President Trump announced during a joint press conference with Netanyahu a proposal for the United States to “take over” Gaza, resettle its Palestinian population, and transform the territory into the “Riviera of the Middle East.” Despite widespread condemnation from Arab leaders and the United Nations, Trump reiterated the plan on his Truth Social platform.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified that any displacement of Gaza’s residents would be temporary. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Gazans would be relocated for an “interim” period while reconstruction took place. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz instructed the military to prepare for the “voluntary departure” of Gaza’s residents.

International Backlash and Future Implications

The Trump administration’s stance on the ICC and the Gaza proposal has drawn criticism from international human rights organizations and diplomatic circles. The implications of these moves are likely to reverberate in global geopolitics for years to come.

As Netanyahu continues his Washington visit, meeting lawmakers from both political parties, the international community watches closely, contemplating the ramifications of these bold and polarizing decisions.