The International Criminal Court (ICC) is facing an unprecedented crisis as U.S. sanctions imposed by President Donald Trump have severely disrupted the tribunal’s operations and paralyzed its ability to pursue justice for victims of war crimes and genocide.
Since the sanctions were enacted in February, ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan has lost access to his official email, his personal bank accounts have been frozen, and U.S.-based staff and contractors have been warned that returning to America could result in their arrest. These developments, confirmed through interviews with current and former ICC officials, human rights advocates, and international lawyers, signal one of the gravest challenges the Hague-based court has faced since its founding in 2002.
Targeting the Prosecutor
The sanctions, issued in retaliation for the ICC’s decision to issue arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, allege that Khan and his team facilitated efforts to investigate and prosecute alleged war crimes committed during Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
Judges of the ICC determined in November that there were reasonable grounds to believe the two Israeli leaders may have committed war crimes by obstructing humanitarian aid and deliberately targeting civilians in the besieged Palestinian territory.
Following that decision, the Trump administration enacted sweeping penalties: Khan, along with other non-American ICC staff, was banned from entering the U.S., and American individuals or institutions were prohibited from offering him “financial, material, or technological support.” Violators could face prison time and heavy fines under the order.
“Attacks on the Rule of Law”
While the court itself has not issued a formal response, ICC President Judge Tomoko Akane strongly condemned the sanctions in February, stating that they “constitute serious attacks against the Court’s States Parties, the rule of law based international order, and millions of victims.”
Human rights organizations echoed this sentiment, warning that the sanctions threaten to dismantle the court’s fragile infrastructure. Liz Evenson, international justice director at Human Rights Watch, said, “The U.S. sanctions will prevent victims from getting access to justice. They send a chilling message to any international body that dares hold powerful nations accountable.”
Crippling Effects on Daily Operations
The repercussions of the sanctions have rippled across every facet of the court’s operations. Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan can no longer access his Microsoft-hosted official email account, which was deactivated due to the sanctions. ICC staff say he has since moved to Proton Mail, a Swiss-based encrypted email provider. Microsoft has not publicly commented on the matter.
In addition, Khan’s bank accounts in the United Kingdom have reportedly been frozen, severely complicating his ability to carry out administrative and personal responsibilities related to the court.
“The sanctions have rendered him nearly inoperable as a prosecutor,” said one ICC official, speaking on condition of anonymity. “His ability to communicate securely, move funds, or coordinate with global partners has been gutted.”
American Staff Face Arrest Risks
For American nationals working at the ICC — including senior officials and legal advisors — the climate has become increasingly hostile. U.S. lawyers within the organization have been warned by ICC legal counsel that they risk arrest if they travel to the United States. Several staff members have already resigned, citing fears of prosecution or professional retaliation.
Among them is Eric Iverson, a senior prosecutor who filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration in U.S. federal court. His attorney, Allison Miller, described the sanctions’ effect on her client: “Iverson cannot do what I would describe as basic lawyer functions. He can’t safely travel, communicate with financial institutions, or participate in key investigations.”
NGOs and Contractors Abandon Cooperation
Perhaps most damaging to the ICC’s mission is the growing exodus of partner organizations. The court heavily relies on non-governmental organizations (NGOs), research firms, and tech contractors for evidence collection, witness protection, and logistical support. Now, many of these partners are severing ties, fearing retaliation from U.S. authorities.
One NGO, central to ICC’s investigative efforts, has transferred its funds out of U.S. bank accounts to avoid potential asset seizures. Two major American human rights groups have reportedly ceased all collaboration with the court. A senior official from one of them told the Associated Press that staff have stopped replying to ICC emails entirely to avoid being flagged by U.S. surveillance systems.
“The sanctions have created a climate of fear and uncertainty,” said a former ICC field officer. “People are afraid their assets will be frozen, or worse, that they could be jailed just for helping bring war criminals to justice.”
Impacts Extend Beyond the Gaza Probe
While the immediate catalyst for the sanctions was the investigation into Israeli actions in Gaza, the damage has not been contained to that file. The ICC’s long-standing investigation into crimes committed in Sudan — including charges of genocide against former President Omar al-Bashir — has stalled entirely.
“The Sudan file is practically frozen,” confirmed an ICC legal assistant. “We can’t move witnesses, can’t follow the money trail, and we’ve lost half our on-the-ground networks due to NGO withdrawal.”
The consequences come at a time when Sudan is once again experiencing mass atrocities amid ongoing civil conflict, leaving many victims without recourse.
ICC’s Future in Jeopardy?
Inside the ICC, a growing number of staff and observers are questioning whether the court can endure another four years under a hostile U.S. administration. With key officials resigning, communication channels disrupted, and external support evaporating, the institution’s ability to fulfill its mandate is under threat.
“The Trump administration is not just punishing individuals,” said Mariana Ortega, a legal scholar specializing in international law. “They’re dismantling the global machinery meant to ensure justice for the gravest crimes known to humanity.”
As Khan continues his legal and diplomatic battle for the survival of the ICC, his struggle has become emblematic of a wider global reckoning: Can international justice stand up to geopolitical power?
