ICC Prosecutor Says Court Makes Significant Progress Despite US 2026

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is making "significant progress" in its investigations, including the Gaza war probe, despite new US sanctions, according to deputy prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan. In an interview, Khan said the sanctions are already affecting staff but have not hindered the court's work.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the sanctions earlier this month, accusing the ICC of being a "rogue court" and declaring: "Either the ICC will end its threats, or we will end the ICC." The sanctions are set to take effect six months from October 9, the date of their announcement. However, Khan noted that some ICC staff have already encountered banking problems as banks "over comply" to minimize risk amid uncertainty over the measures' scope.

US Sanctions and the ICC: What's at Stake

The sanctions target the institution, but Khan emphasized that individual members should not be directly impacted in principle. Yet the practical effects are already being felt. Banks, wary of potential US penalties, are taking a cautious approach, which has led to difficulties for ICC staff in accessing financial services.

This is not the first time the ICC has faced US pressure. The Trump administration has repeatedly targeted the court, and these sanctions represent a significant escalation. The US has long opposed the ICC's jurisdiction over American citizens, but the current sanctions are tied to the court's investigation into alleged war crimes in Gaza, which includes arrest warrants for Israeli officials.

Gaza Investigation and Arrest Warrants

In November 2024, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Galant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Khan said the investigation has made "significant progress" since then, though further applications from the prosecutor are being kept secret by order of the court.

The warrants have drawn fierce criticism from Israel and its allies, including the US. The sanctions are widely seen as retaliation for the ICC's actions against Israeli officials. However, Khan insists that the court will continue its work undeterred.

Impact on ICC Staff and Operations

While the sanctions are not yet in full effect, the uncertainty surrounding their scope is causing problems. Banks are "over complying" with the measures, leading to banking issues for some ICC staff. This could affect the court's ability to pay salaries, travel, and conduct other financial transactions.

Khan's comments suggest that the court is taking a measured approach, continuing its investigations while monitoring the situation. The full impact of the sanctions will become clearer after they take effect in April 2025.

Key Takeaways

• US sanctions on the ICC are already causing banking problems for staff, even though they don't take full effect until April 2025.
• The ICC's Gaza investigation has made "significant progress" since arrest warrants were issued for Netanyahu and Galant in November 2024.
• Deputy prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan says the sanctions have not hindered the court's work.
• The US accuses the ICC of being a "rogue court" and has threatened to "end the ICC."
• Further prosecutor applications in the Gaza case remain secret by court order.

Comparing US Sanctions: Scope and Timing

What to Watch Next

The sanctions are set to take effect in April 2025, but their full scope remains unclear. The ICC will need to navigate financial and operational challenges while continuing its investigations. The court's ability to secure banking services and conduct transactions will be a key test.

Meanwhile, the Gaza investigation is likely to remain a flashpoint. The secrecy surrounding further prosecutor applications suggests that more developments could be in the pipeline. The US has signaled it will not back down, and the ICC has vowed to press on. The coming months will reveal whether the sanctions materially impede the court's work or merely add friction.

For a deeper look at how these sanctions came about, see our report on US sanctions on the ICC president and prosecutor. The move is part of a broader pattern of US hostility toward the court, as detailed in our analysis of Trump's sanctions threatening the global justice system.

The leadership of the ICC has also been in flux. Karim Khan, the chief prosecutor, was recently ousted following misconduct allegations. Our article on Karim Khan's removal explains the details. Khan's departure has left deputy prosecutors, including Nazhat Shameem Khan, co-running the office. The background to this story is set out in US Sanctions ICC President and Prosecutor Over Gaza Investigation. A related thread runs through US Sanctions International Criminal Court: Global Impact.

These sanctions are not just about the ICC's current investigations; they signal a wider assault on international legal institutions. As we noted in our piece on Trump's ICC dismantling, the administration's actions could undermine accountability for war crimes globally. The international community is watching closely to see how the court responds. Earlier coverage in Karim Khan Ousted as ICC Prosecutor After Misconduct Vote shows how the argument developed. A closer look at the same subject appears in ICC Staffer Alleges Sexual Abuse by Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan.