International Criminal Court chief warns of Israeli threats to her safety
May 24, 2026 • Al Jazeera
Former International Criminal Court (ICC) Chief Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda has made public statements regarding her experiences while pursuing investigations into Palestine-related cases.
Bensouda stated that she faced threats, pressure, and sanctions during her tenure as chief prosecutor. She also mentioned that Israel requested the cessation of these investigations. Furthermore, Bensouda expressed feelings of being unsupported by member states of the ICC.
In addition, Bensouda has raised concerns about accusations of double standards within the ICC. She has also touched upon US-imposed sanctions on the court and their potential impact.
Bensouda’s comments have sparked discussion regarding the role of international justice in addressing conflicts such as those involving Palestine. Specifically, she has questioned whether leaders like Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu can be held accountable by the ICC.
According to Bensouda, her experiences highlight the challenges faced by the ICC in pursuing investigations into sensitive cases. The court’s independence and impartiality are often subject to scrutiny, with some accusing it of double standards or favoring certain parties over others.
Bensouda’s statements have shed light on the complexities surrounding international justice and its relationship with politics.
Source: Al Jazeera