U.S. Addresses Sudan Crisis and Criticizes ICC’s Focus on Israel at UN Security Council Briefing

New York, July 10, 2025 — During a UN Security Council briefing today, Acting U.S. Representative Ambassador Dorothy Shea emphasized ongoing concerns regarding the humanitarian crisis in Sudan and condemned what she described as the “heavily politicized” actions of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

In her remarks, Shea highlighted the severity of the conflict in Sudan, labeling it the “worst humanitarian crisis in the world today.” She called on all warring factions to cease hostilities, grant unrestricted humanitarian access, and prioritize the protection of civilians. Shea pointed out that external support to the conflicting parties exacerbates the violence and must be halted.

She also condemned the Rapid Support Forces for their role in the genocide, citing reports of ethnic-based killings, sexual violence, and atrocities committed against civilians, including men, boys, and infants. Shea reiterated U.S. commitment to justice for the victims and noted that many of the current combatants have histories linked to crimes in Darfur from 2003-2004. She emphasized that the same victims continue to suffer under renewed violence, especially targeting non-Arab ethnic groups.

However, Shea expressed disappointment with the ICC’s focus, criticizing the court for prioritizing investigations into Israel amid crises in Sudan. She condemned ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan for seeking arrest warrants against Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, in relation to the ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza. Shea condemned these actions as “unacceptable” and argued that Israel, which has not ratified the Rome Statute, is unjustly targeted by the court.

She pointed out that the ICC had allowed “Palestine” to join the Rome Statute in 2015 despite questions over its sovereignty—an act she described as a violation of the Court’s own statutes. Shea warned that such actions threaten the sovereignty of nations and could set dangerous precedents, undermining international law and U.S. national security interests.

Shea concluded by reaffirming the United States’ opposition to any ICC actions targeting U.S. allies, including Israel, and stated that the U.S. would utilize all appropriate measures to protect sovereignty against what she termed “illegitimate” ICC proceedings. She emphasized that these issues distract from genuine efforts to address conflicts like those in Sudan and hinder international justice efforts.

The briefing underlined the contrasting US positions: concern over the ongoing violence and humanitarian needs in Sudan, and a staunch opposition to what the U.S. perceives as politicized judicial overreach by the ICC, especially regarding Israel.