According to Mondoweiss, the United States has sanctioned three Palestinian human rights organizations for supporting the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) probe into Israel.
On Thursday, the State Department confirmed that al-Haq, the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR), and the al-Mezan Center for Human Rights joined the Treasury Department’s Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List.
The groups had joined the ICC in November 2023. They requested the court to investigate Israeli war crimes and to issue arrest warrants against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials. Subsequently, the ICC issued these warrants in 2024.
US Government Explains Its Position
Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the sanctions. He stated that the United States and Israel do not recognize the Rome Statute. Therefore, they cannot be judged by the ICC.
“This administration has been clear,” Rubio said. “We oppose the ICC’s politicized agenda. Its actions threaten sovereignty and set a dangerous precedent. Consequently, we will protect the interests of the US and our allies, including Israel.”
Palestinian Groups Respond
The sanctioned organizations released a joint statement. They said the sanctions aim to silence Palestinian voices and weaken their right to self-determination.
Additionally, the statement detailed repeated attacks on human rights defenders. Israel destroyed offices in Gaza, killed staff and their families, and blocked journalists from reporting.
“Now, Palestinian organizations documenting evidence of genocide face systematic silencing by Israel’s allies,” the statement added.
Global Reactions
The Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR) criticized the move. It warned that these actions show US complicity in Israel’s behavior. Likewise, Amnesty International condemned the sanctions, calling them a dangerous attack on civil society.
“These groups document human rights abuses under extreme conditions,” said Erika Guevara-Rosas, Amnesty’s Senior Director for Research and Advocacy. “Moreover, they continue their work despite war, occupation, and repeated attempts to discredit them.”
A Pattern of Targeting ICC Supporters
This is not the first time the US has acted against ICC supporters. In February, it sanctioned ICC prosecutor Karim Khan and other officials. Then in July, it targeted UN Human Rights Council special rapporteur Francesca Albanese for supporting the ICC’s investigation.
Furthermore, last week, the State Department revoked visas of Palestinian officials ahead of the UN General Assembly. During the session, several countries are expected to support Palestinian statehood.
