ICC tells staff 'prepare, don't panic' over possible US sanctions

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is preparing itself against possible repercussions from US sanctions, imposed on the institution as it investigates alleged Israeli war crimes in Gaza.

Senior officials at the ICC want to reassure staff that it is "prepared" to cope with any technical or banking blackout that might follow US sanctions, according to a report by The Financial Times.

According to people familiar with the matter, officials told staff on Monday that the court is seeking to replace American suppliers of key infrastructure with alternative vendors to protect itself against threatened sanctions.

The ICC issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant in November 2024, over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Both Israel and its main ally, the US, have said they do not recognise the warrants and have refused to cooperate.

The war in Gaza, ending its two years on 7 October, is now widely considered to be a genocide. More than 66,000 people have been killed, mostly civilians.

Early this year, ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan was the first person at the court to be hit with economic and travel sanctions authorised by US President Donald Trump.

In August, the US imposed sanctions on four more ICC judges or prosecutors, including from allies France and Canada.

Those sanctioned could be barred entry into the US and have their property and assets blocked - measures more often taken against Washington’s adversaries than nationals from close Washington allies.

Recent reports have said the Trump administration may impose new sanctions on the entire institution instead of just individuals.

Most IT systems used at the court are American, especially Microsoft, according to the FT article, and the ICC is worried that sanctions could potentially paralyse their work.

Officials at the ICC reportedly told staff that measures such as backing up files and protecting documents were to prepare for any eventualities but urged them not to panic.