WASHINGTON — The United States on Thursday imposed sanctions on three Palestinian human rights organizations, accusing them of backing the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) investigation into alleged Israeli war crimes, reported by Anadolu Agency.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the groups — Al Haq, Al Mezan Center for Human Rights, and the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) — were blacklisted under an executive order first signed by President Donald Trump. The order targets those who assist ICC efforts against U.S. allies.
“These entities have directly engaged in efforts by the International Criminal Court to investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute Israeli nationals, without Israel’s consent,” Rubio declared. He added that both Washington and Tel Aviv reject the ICC’s jurisdiction: “The United States and Israel are not party to the Rome Statute and are therefore not subject to the ICC’s authority. We oppose the ICC’s politicized agenda, overreach, and disregard for sovereignty.”
The move escalates tensions just weeks before world leaders gather in New York for the UN General Assembly. Earlier this week, Washington revoked visas for Palestinian Authority officials, barring their attendance. The decision came after France, Canada, and Australia announced plans to recognize a Palestinian state during the UN session.
Rubio warned Thursday that such recognition would “create big problems,” as Israel pushes ahead with annexation plans in the occupied West Bank.
The ICC in November issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, citing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel also faces a genocide case before the International Court of Justice.
Since Hamas’s Oct. 7, 2023 assault, Israel’s military campaign has killed more than 64,000 Palestinians in Gaza, leaving the enclave devastated and on the brink of famine.
