Amal Clooney Helps ICC Review War Crimes Charges in Israel-Gaza Conflict, Faces Political Backlash

Renowned human rights attorney Amal Clooney played a key role on an eight-member panel assembled by the International Criminal Court (ICC) to assess whether senior Israeli and Hamas leaders should face war crimes charges tied to the Israel-Gaza conflict.

The panel—which included several prominent British legal experts—unanimously found that there was sufficient evidence to issue arrest warrants, including for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

The ICC’s move drew swift backlash. Former U.S. President Donald Trump imposed sanctions on ICC prosecutor Karim Khan and warned that others involved in the case—potentially including Clooney—could face consequences, such as being barred from entering the United States. Meanwhile, the British government reportedly cautioned its legal teams about engaging with the ICC over this politically sensitive issue.

Amid growing public debate and criticism, Clooney issued a rare personal statement. She reaffirmed her commitment to the rule of law and to protecting civilians caught in armed conflict. Clooney stressed that accountability must apply to everyone equally—regardless of their title or nationality—and that no one should be immune from justice.