US Sanctions Palestinian NGOs Over ICC Cases Against Israel

The United States has sanctioned three prominent Palestinian human rights organizations, accusing them of aiding International Criminal Court (ICC) investigations into alleged Israeli war crimes in Gaza.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday designated Al-Haq, Al Mezan Center for Human Rights, and the Palestinian Center for Human Rights under an executive order targeting entities that support ICC action against Israeli nationals. “These entities have directly engaged in efforts by the ICC to investigate or prosecute Israeli nationals without Israel’s consent,” Rubio said.

The groups condemned the move as an attempt to shield Israel from accountability, calling it part of a “decades-long campaign” to deny Palestinian rights.

The sanctions drew sharp criticism from rights advocates. UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk called the action “completely unacceptable” and warned it would have a chilling effect on civil society. Amnesty International described it as a “shameful assault” on global justice.

Washington, along with Israel and Russia, rejects ICC jurisdiction. In recent months, the US has also sanctioned ICC judges and prosecutors after the court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former defense minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas leaders.