United Nations: Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in the Palestinian Territories, has condemned US sanctions against her, calling them “revenge” for exposing Israeli violations in Gaza and the West Bank. Speaking to the UN General Assembly via video from South Africa, Albanese described the sanctions as “unlawful and spiteful,” accusing the US of undermining the UN’s independence and credibility.
Albanese, an Italian human rights lawyer, has repeatedly accused Israel of “genocide” and “apartheid” in Gaza. She said Gaza remains “strangled, starved, shattered,” and urged member states to push for a full Israeli withdrawal and a permanent end to hostilities. Despite facing personal attacks, including being called a “witch” by Israel’s ambassador Danny Danon, Albanese vowed to continue her work.
The US imposed sanctions on Albanese in July, accusing her of antisemitism and hostility toward the West. She denied the claims, asserting she was targeted for defending Palestinian rights. UN officials, including Human Rights Commissioner Volker Türk, have demanded that the sanctions be lifted, calling them “unacceptable.”
The ongoing war in Gaza has claimed over 67,000 Palestinian lives, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Albanese criticized the recent US-brokered ceasefire, calling it “Orwellian doublespeak” that allows occupation and killings to continue under the guise of diplomacy. She urged nations to reject silence and act decisively to restore justice in Palestine.
