Washington: In a significant legislative move, the Republican-led US House of Representatives passed a bill imposing sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) in response to its prosecutor’s decision to issue arrest warrants for Israeli officials linked to the Gaza conflict. The vote ended 247 to 155, with 42 Democrats siding with Republicans. No Republicans voted against the measure, though two opted to vote “present.”
US House Votes to Sanction ICC Amid Israel Gaza Conflict Tensions
The newly passed legislation mandates sanctions on individuals involved in ICC prosecutions of Americans or citizens of U.S. allies not part of the ICC, including Israel. The bill would also bar ICC officials from entering the United States, revoke their U.S. visas, and restrict their ability to conduct property transactions within the country.
The measure, however, is unlikely to become law as it is not expected to be brought to a vote in the Senate, which is narrowly controlled by Democrats. Despite its uncertain future, the legislation underscores Congress’s robust support for Israel amidst growing international criticism over its military actions in Gaza.
The White House recently condemned the ICC’s decision to pursue arrest warrants, reflecting ongoing tensions between the U.S. administration and the international court.
The ICC’s actions, led by prosecutor Karim Khan, came after over seven months of conflict in Gaza. Khan asserted there were reasonable grounds to believe that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his defense chief, and three Hamas leaders were responsible for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. Netanyahu dismissed the ICC’s decision as absurd, stating it was an attack on Israel as a whole.
Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, launched in October following a deadly Hamas assault on southern Israel, has resulted in significant casualties. Israeli authorities report the initial attack killed approximately 1,200 people and led to the capture of over 250 hostages, with about 120 still held in Gaza. The ongoing conflict has caused over 36,000 deaths in Gaza, according to local health officials, who also note that thousands more remain buried under rubble.
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