By Eniola Amadu
The United States has imposed sanctions on three Palestinian human rights organisations that urged the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate Israel for genocide in Gaza.
The targeted groups are the Gaza-based Palestinian Centre for Human Rights, Al Mezan Center for Human Rights, and the Ramallah-based Al-Haq. All three were listed under designations the treasury linked to ICC-related activity.
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The sanctions follow the groups’ joint petition in November 2023 asking the ICC to probe Israeli airstrikes on densely populated civilian areas, the blockade of Gaza, and mass displacement.
One year later, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas leader Ibrahim al-Masri, citing alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The US move comes amid heightened scrutiny of Israel’s conduct in Gaza.
Earlier this week, the International Association of Genocide Scholars — the world’s largest academic body in the field — passed a resolution stating Israel’s actions meet the legal definition of genocide.
Israel dismissed the resolution as “disgraceful” and accused the group of echoing “Hamas’s campaign of lies.”
Israel launched its offensive in Gaza in October 2023 after Hamas militants attacked southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 250 hostages. Since then, Gaza’s health authorities report more than 63,000 people have been killed, nearly the entire population has been displaced at least once, and widespread famine has taken hold in parts of the enclave.
The United States, which does not recognize the ICC’s authority, has a history of clashing with the court.
During Donald Trump’s administration, Washington imposed sanctions on ICC judges and its chief prosecutor over investigations into alleged US war crimes in Afghanistan and efforts to pursue Israeli leaders.
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The ICC, founded in 2002, prosecutes war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide in its 125 member states. However, major powers including the US, China, Russia, and Israel have refused to join, arguing the court undermines national sovereignty.
The sanctions against the Palestinian groups are an escalation in Washington’s defense of Israel amid international calls for accountability and could deepen tensions with human rights advocates pressing for global justice mechanisms.
