LONDON

The Presidency of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute on Thursday voiced deep concern over US sanctions targeting International Criminal Court (ICC) elected officials, labelling the move "regrettable attempts to impede the Court."

In a statement, the ICC legislative body expressed its opposition to new US sanctions against two judges and the deputy prosecutors of the court.

"These measures, in addition to earlier designations of elected officials, are regrettable attempts to impede the Court and its personnel in the exercise of their independent judicial functions," read the statement.

The US State Department announced on Wednesday new sanctions on the ICC officials for engaging in efforts to prosecute US and Israeli citizens.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the ICC is "an instrument of lawfare" against the US and Israel.

Similar sanctions were imposed on the ICC's chief prosecutor Karim Khan and other officials earlier this year.

The international tribunal had authorized an investigation into US personnel in Afghanistan, and issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav for Israel’s war in Gaza.

Stressing that they continue to object to such unilateral measures "firmly and unequivocally," the presidency said those measures represent an affront to the independence of the court and the integrity of the Rome Statute system.

"Such actions risk hampering ongoing investigations and undermining global efforts to ensure accountability for the gravest crimes of concern to the international community," it added.

Reiterating its full support for the court, its officials, and all those who contribute to the fulfilment of its judicial mandate, the presidency urged all states parties and stakeholders in the Rome Statute system to remain steadfast in their commitment to uphold the principles of international justice and to stand united in defending the court, its elected officials, its personnel and those cooperating with it.

"In these challenging times, the international community must reaffirm its collective commitment to the rule of law and to ensuring that no one is above accountability," the statement said.