Sawt Falasteen - ICC vows to stand firm amid US sanctions

Opening an annual meeting that brought together representatives from the countries that are part of the ICC, Tomoko Akane said: "Let me be explicit. We never accept any kind of pressure from anyone."

"Our independence and impartiality are our Pole Stars and remain unaffected. Our loyalties are only with the Rome Statute (which established the ICC and sets out its powers) and international law," said the Japanese jurist.

The ICC, which prosecutes individuals for war crimes and crimes against humanity, is suffering arguably the most difficult period in its 23-year history.

US President Donald Trump, furious at arrest warrants issued for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the conduct of the war in Gaza, has slapped sanctions on key officials including judges and prosecutors.

Neither the United States nor Israel is party to the ICC. But in 2021 the court ruled that its jurisdiction extends to the Palestinian territories of Gaza and the West Bank, including east Jerusalem.

Currently, 125 countries -- two thirds of UN member states -- are party to the court. Other countries that refused to join it include China, Russia, North Korea, Libya and Saudi Arabia.

Four ICC member countries, including Hungary, have announced they intend to withdraw.

French Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin voiced his country's "unwavering commitment" to the court.

"The court is facing an unprecedented time with these coercive measures that have been levelled at judges and prosecutors, including one French magistrate," said Darmanin.

"They are unacceptable."

Denmark's representative Elsebeth Sondergaard Krone, speaking on behalf of the European Union, said the bloc "stands firm in defence of the court in the face of threats and sanctions against the court".

Adding to the challenges facing the ICC, its chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, is on extended leave while an investigation is conducted into sexual abuse allegations, which he denies.

R.Halabi--SF-PST