THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) – The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued a strong statement on Friday, urging its member states to oppose sanctions imposed by former President Donald Trump. The ICC described these sanctions as an effort to undermine its independent and impartial judicial operations, which play a crucial role in delivering justice internationally.

The White House announced the executive order on Thursday, citing its motivation as a response to what it termed as "illegitimate and baseless actions” directed against the United States and its close ally, Israel. This declaration was framed within the context of an arrest warrant issued last year by the ICC for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu concerning alleged war crimes committed in Gaza.

In its statement, the Hague-based court expressed its firm condemnation of the sanctions. The ICC reiterated its commitment to its personnel and emphasized its ongoing mission to provide justice and hope to millions of victims who have suffered from atrocities globally. The court called upon its 125 States Parties, the wider civil society, and all nations to unite in support of justice and fundamental human rights.

The executive order outlined specific consequences that the U.S. intends to impose on individuals identified as responsible for what it views as the ICC's "transgressions.” These measures may include the freezing of property and assets associated with these individuals, as well as restrictions on entry into the United States for ICC officials, employees, and their families.

Human rights advocacy organizations also criticized the sanctions, asserting that such actions would only serve to empower individuals responsible for mass atrocities around the world. Liz Evenson, the international justice director at Human Rights Watch, highlighted that the sanctions should target human rights violators rather than those working diligently to hold these offenders accountable. She compared Trump's executive order to strategies employed by Russia, which has attempted to hamper the ICC's efforts through similar legal maneuvers against its judges and prosecutors.

This unfolding situation underscores the growing tensions between the U.S. government and the ICC, particularly in light of international law and accountability for human rights violations. As the ICC continues to advocate for justice on a global scale, reactions to the U.S. sanctions may further complicate the relationship between the court and its member states.