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UN says US bound by host‑country obligations as reporters ask about ICC sanctions and Israel‑Lebanon pullback
Summary
Reporters asked the United Nations spokesperson about a US Treasury sanction on International Criminal Court prosecutor Karim Khan and about reported Israeli plans to maintain positions in Lebanon beyond a Feb. 18 deadline; the UN said the host‑country agreement is binding on the United States and reiterated calls to honor cessation commitments.
Reporters asked the United Nations spokesperson about a US Treasury sanction on International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor Karim Khan and about reported Israeli plans to maintain positions in Lebanon beyond a Feb. 18 deadline. The spokesperson said the UN expects the host country — in this case the United States — to abide by its obligations under the host‑country agreement and reiterated support for international justice as a key pillar of accountability.
When asked whether the host‑country agreement would block entry or services for the ICC, the UN spokesperson replied, "we believe that, as a party to the host country of the agreement, The US will abide by all of its obligations under that agreement." The spokesperson also clarified the ICC is an independent organization and not an organ of the UN, noting that the ICC participates in certain Security Council business but remains separate.
On Lebanon, the spokesperson said the UN continues to urge Israel and Lebanon to honor their commitments to the cessation of hostilities understanding. The briefing said progress in Lebanese Armed Forces‑led redeployment and Israeli Defense Forces withdrawal is crucial and called for full implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 as a comprehensive path toward longer‑term peace, security and stability along the Blue Line.
Reporters raised questions about whether entry restrictions or other measures tied to the US action against the ICC prosecutor would affect ICC participation in UN events; the spokesperson pointed reporters back to the text of the host‑country agreement and said obligations on the host country are specifically binding. No operational changes to ICC participation at UN headquarters were announced during the briefing.
