International Criminal Court prosecutor temporarily steps down amid sexual misconduct probe

International Criminal Court prosecutor Karim Khan has temporarily stepped down amid a United Nations sexual misconduct investigation into him, his office said Friday.

The prosecutor's office said that Khan had taken leave until the U.N. Office of Internal Oversight Services completes its probe, Reuters reported. Earlier media reports cited a document with accusations against Khan, including unwanted sexual touching and "abuse," according to the BBC. Khan has denied the misconduct allegations that were reported to the court's governing body in October.

He sent a letter to his staff about his decision to temporarily step down, writing, "In light of escalating media reports, I have made the considered decision to take leave."

He also said: "My decision is driven by deep and unwavering commitment to the credibility of our Office and the Court, and to safeguard the integrity of the process and fairness to all involved."

In the meantime, the ICC's two deputy prosecutors would take over his duties, according to Khan's office.

He previously ignored calls by ICC staff and NGOs to step down during the investigation.

The ICC is currently investigating war crimes amid the wars in Ukraine and Gaza.

The court issued arrest warrants at Khan's request for Russian President Vladimir Putin on suspicion of deporting children from Ukraine, and for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for alleged war crimes in Gaza. Both Russia and Israel are not members of the court, have denied the accusations, and reject ICC jurisdiction.

President Trump imposed sanctions on Khan over his investigation into Israel.