ICC 'deplores' new US sanctions on judges and prosecutors

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has expressed its strong opposition to the new US sanctions imposed on its judges and prosecutors. The sanctions, which were announced by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, were described as an attempt to undermine the court's work. Rubio condemned the ICC, calling it "an instrument of lawfare" against the US and Israel. The sanctions target specific individuals within the court, including the prosecutor and several judges, for their involvement in investigating alleged war crimes committed by US and Israeli forces. The ICC has firmly rejected these sanctions, stating that they represent a serious attack on the court's independence and the rule of law. The court has called on the US to reconsider its decision and to respect the court's mandate and the integrity of international justice. The dispute highlights the ongoing tensions between the US and the ICC, as the court continues to investigate allegations of human rights abuses and war crimes committed by various parties, including those with close ties to the US.