A group of American activists and international human rights lawyers has formally asked the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate U.S. President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other senior officials over alleged involvement in crimes committed by Israel in Gaza. The Taxpayer Alliance Against Genocide (TAAG) submitted evidence to the court’s Office of the Prosecutor in The Hague on Wednesday, November 11, accusing U.S. officials of aiding and abetting genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. The allegations have not been established by the court.
Activists Submit Evidence to ICC
According to TAAG, the submission includes sworn statements from doctors who worked in Gaza, eyewitness accounts, whistleblower testimony, video footage and documents concerning American military, financial and diplomatic support for Israel. Among those contributing testimony were U.S. trauma surgeon Dr Feroze Sidhwa, who worked in Gaza twice, and David McIntosh, a former manager at the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. The group wants prosecutors to examine whether American officials bear criminal responsibility for supporting Israeli military operations.
UN Expert Calls for International Accountability
UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese addressed a press conference in The Hague following the submission. She described international law as an essential peaceful means of addressing injustice and called for greater political commitment to accountability. However, the ICC has not announced an investigation into Trump or Rubio based on this filing. Submitting evidence does not automatically lead to criminal proceedings or arrest warrants.
Washington Rejects ICC Jurisdiction
The United States is not a member of the Rome Statute, which established the ICC, and disputes the court’s authority over American nationals. Israel also rejects accusations of genocide. In November 2024, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Both men reject the allegations. The Trump administration has since imposed sanctions targeting ICC officials and others involved in proceedings concerning Israel and the United States.
Gaza War Remains Under International Scrutiny
The war began after Hamas-led attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, killed approximately 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages being taken. Gaza’s health ministry reports that subsequent Israeli military operations have killed more than 74,600 Palestinians and wounded nearly 176,000. The latest ICC submission adds to ongoing legal efforts concerning responsibility for the conflict, although prosecutors have made no decision on the allegations against U.S. officials.
