**ICC Chief Prosecutor Takes Temporary Leave Amid Sexual Misconduct Investigation**

**The International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, has announced a temporary leave until the completion of an external inquiry into sexual misconduct allegations against him, which he denies.**

The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Karim Khan, has decided to take a leave of absence as an external investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct is underway. This move comes after increasing pressure from various organizations and ICC staff for him to temporarily step down during the probe. The investigation, initiated late last year, is being led by the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services.

According to reports, the allegations against Khan involve claims of unwanted sexual touching and abuse, which were formally submitted to the ICC's governing body in October. Khan has publicly denied these claims. In a letter to his staff, he expressed that his decision to step down is rooted in a commitment to the integrity of both the ICC's Office and the broader judicial process.

While Khan is away, his deputy prosecutors will manage operations at the court. There has been no indication of when the investigation is anticipated to conclude, although sources state that Khan has recently participated in a final interview with UN investigators. The probe has attracted substantial attention, especially following Khan's requests for arrest warrants in relation to the Israel-Hamas conflict, which have been met with strong opposition from Israel.

The ICC has been under significant scrutiny since these events unfolded, particularly following sanctions imposed by the Trump administration on ICC officials in response to investigations into alleged war crimes. The ICC has issued statements highlighting the need for collective support among member states and the global community to uphold human rights and justice in light of external pressures.