Francesca Albanese, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories, has charged that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, citing a history of international complicity. Speaking during a virtual address on March 5, 2024, Albanese described the ongoing violence as “the culmination of decades of moral and political failure” by nations that continue to support Israel’s military actions.
In her remarks to the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee, Albanese emphasized the human cost of the conflict, stating that the current situation represents not an isolated incident but a result of a “resilient colonial world order.” She noted that over 240,000 individuals have been killed or injured, with many more missing or trapped under rubble. The conditions in Gaza, she asserted, have left the region “strangled, starved, and shattered.”
Albanese condemned the role of various countries in facilitating Israel’s actions, stating, “Through unlawful actions and deliberate omissions, too many states have armed, funded, and shielded Israel’s militarised apartheid.” She criticized the United States specifically for imposing sanctions against her, which prevented her from presenting her findings in person. “These measures are an assault on the UN itself, on its independence, its integrity, its very soul,” she commented.
The rapporteur called for a comprehensive response to the crisis. She urged states to secure a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and to ensure Israel’s full withdrawal from all occupied Palestinian territories. Albanese warned that if the UN Security Council continues to remain deadlocked, the General Assembly must take more decisive action under the “Uniting for Peace” resolution.
In conclusion, Albanese’s statements highlight a growing international concern regarding the situation in Gaza. As violence continues, the call for accountability and action from the global community remains urgent. The UN’s stance and the response of member states will likely shape the future of peace efforts in the region.