Dawn Requests ICC Investigation into Biden Administration for Alleged War Crimes in Gaza

President Biden faces potential war crimes charges at the International Criminal Court for his alleged complicity in Israeli atrocities in Gaza.

Key Takeaways

Democracy for the Arab World Now (Dawn) has submitted a referral to the ICC against Biden administration officials for alleged complicity in Israeli war crimes in Gaza.
The 172-page submission urges investigation into Joe Biden, Antony Blinken, Lloyd Austin, and other US officials for aiding and abetting alleged war crimes.
Dawn argues that US officials provided $17.9 billion in weapons transfers, intelligence sharing, and diplomatic protection to Israel, despite awareness of potential war crimes.
The group claims that blocking efforts to curb military assistance despite its role in facilitating alleged war crimes makes US officials complicit.
President Trump’s executive order sanctioning the ICC is highlighted as potentially obstructing justice and hampering global accountability mechanisms.

Dawn’s Explosive Allegations Against Biden Administration

In a stunning development, the nonprofit Democracy for the Arab World Now (Dawn) has formally requested the International Criminal Court to launch investigations into former President Joe Biden and key members of his cabinet for alleged war crimes in Gaza. This bombshell accusation, backed by a comprehensive 172-page report, claims that the Biden administration provided crucial military and diplomatic aid to Israel in violation of the Rome Statute, the founding charter of the ICC.

The group’s submission, filed on January 19, targets not only Biden but also former Secretary of State Antony Blinken and former Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. Dawn argues that these officials were fully aware that US weapons and intelligence were being used to commit alleged war crimes, yet continued to provide support. This level of complicity, if proven, could have severe consequences for the accused.

A U.S.-based nonprofit has called on the International Criminal Court (#ICC) to investigate former President Joe Biden and two of his cabinet members for alleged complicity in war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Democracy for the Arab World Now (#dawn) submitted the… pic.twitter.com/D2DcVulaDr

— RTA English (@rtaenglish1) February 25, 2025

The Staggering Scale of US Support

Dawn’s allegations are not merely speculative. The group points to a staggering $17.9 billion in weapons transfers, along with extensive intelligence sharing and diplomatic protection provided to Israel. This massive support continued even as evidence mounted of potential war crimes being committed with American-made weapons. The use of US bombs in attacks on Palestinian hospitals, schools, and homes is particularly damning.

“There are solid grounds to investigate Joe Biden, Antony Blinken and Lloyd Austin for complicity in Israel’s crimes,” said Reed Brody, Dawn board member and veteran war crimes lawyer. “The bombs dropped on [Palestinian] hospitals, schools and homes are American bombs, the campaign of murder and persecution has been carried out with American support. US officials have been aware of exactly what Israel is doing, and yet their support never stopped.”

Adding insult to injury, Dawn highlights the Biden administration’s role in vetoing cease-fire resolutions at the U.N. Security Council, effectively providing diplomatic cover for Israel’s actions. This combination of material and political support forms the basis of Dawn’s argument for complicity in alleged war crimes.

The ICC’s Jurisdiction and US Resistance

A critical point of contention in this case is the ICC’s jurisdiction. Neither the United States nor Israel are signatories to the Rome Statute, which established the ICC. This fact has been used by both nations to argue against the court’s authority over their citizens. However, Dawn contends that aiding and abetting war crimes is an international criminal offense, and the ICC is the proper venue for prosecution.

The Biden administration’s stance on this issue is clear. In a statement that underscores the US government’s defiance of international judicial bodies, Biden declared, “We don’t recognize their jurisdiction.” This position, however, may not be enough to shield former officials from potential prosecution if the ICC decides to move forward with an investigation.

Trump’s Controversial Executive Order

Dawn’s submission also takes aim at President Donald Trump’s executive order authorizing sanctions against the ICC. The group argues that this action could subject Trump to criminal liability for obstruction of justice. Furthermore, they suggest that Trump’s proposed plan to forcibly displace Palestinians from Gaza could itself constitute a crime against humanity under the Rome Statute.

This highlighting of Trump’s actions serves as a stark reminder that international law applies to all administrations, regardless of party affiliation. It also underscores the potential long-term consequences of US policies that disregard or actively undermine international legal frameworks.

The Path Forward

As the ICC considers Dawn’s submission, the international community watches with bated breath. The potential investigation of former high-ranking US officials for war crimes would be unprecedented and could have far-reaching implications for US foreign policy and its relationships with allies.

For now, the ball is in the ICC’s court. Whether they choose to pursue an investigation will likely depend on the strength of the evidence presented and the political will to challenge one of the world’s superpowers. Regardless of the outcome, Dawn’s action has already succeeded in bringing renewed attention to the consequences of US foreign policy decisions and the limits of American exceptionalism in the face of international law.