Live Update 
From the Liveblog of
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
From the Liveblog of
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Spain asks European Commission to block US sanctions on ICC
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on Google
Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez gestures as he speaks during a press conference in Beijing, China, April 14, 2026. (AP/Ng Han Guan)
Spain has asked the European Commission to activate its blocking statute to prevent compliance with US sanctions on the International Criminal Court over its investigation into Israel’s actions in Gaza, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez says on X.
The EU’s blocking statute is a legal mechanism designed to protect Europeans from the extraterritorial effects of sanctions imposed by third countries.
The US imposed the sanctions after the ICC issued arrest warrants for Israeli leaders, alleging war crimes during the campaign against the Hamas terror group following the latter’s October 7, 2023, attack. Israel says it obeys international law and never targets civilians.
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
The Times of Israel Community.
JOIN THE TOI COMMUNITY
Already a member? Log in here