The International Criminal Court (ICC) pushed back against threats on Friday as it faces intense pressure following reports of possible arrest warrants for Israeli and Hamas officials over their conduct in the Oct. 7 attack and war in Gaza that has followed.

A number of pro-Israel U.S. lawmakers and the Biden administration have urged the ICC to refrain from such action, arguing it doesn’t have jurisdiction over Israel. Axios reported Thursday that senators from both parties met with ICC officials over their anxieties about the potential arrest warrants.

The Office seeks to engage constructively with all stakeholders whenever such dialogue is consistent with its mandate under the Rome Statute to act independently and impartially.

The statement by the ICC indicates that its independence and impartiality are undermined, however it further says when individuals threaten to retaliate against the Court or against Court personnel should the Office, in fulfillment of its mandate, make decisions about investigations or cases falling within its jurisdiction.

It says such threats, even when not acted upon, may also constitute an offence against the administration of justice under Art. 70 of the Rome Statute.>>>>>>ICC

The ICC came into force in 2002 under an international statute giving the court jurisdiction over crimes, including genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and crimes of aggression. Neither the U.S. nor Israel are among the 123 state members of the court.