US imposes sanctions on UN official Francesca Albanese over Gaza abuses inquiry.
The Trump administration has imposed sanctions on Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur for the West Bank and Gaza, who is responsible for investigating human rights abuses in the Palestinian territories. This move is part of the administration's efforts to penalize critics of Israel's 21-month war in Gaza. Albanese, a human rights lawyer, has accused Israel of conducting a "genocide" against Palestinians in Gaza, a claim strongly denied by both Israel and the US, which supports Israel militarily.
Albanese's stance has been supported by genocide scholars and rights organizations, and she has called for international pressure on Israel to end its military actions in Gaza. In response to the US sanctions, Albanese affirmed her commitment to justice but referred to the move as "mafia-style intimidation techniques." The US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, stated that Albanese's actions against the US and Israel will not be tolerated, emphasizing their support for partners' right to self-defense.
Criticism of Albanese has come from pro-Israel officials and groups in the US and the Middle East, with accusations of antisemitism and anti-Israel bias. The Trump administration has been engaged in a months-long campaign to suppress criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza, including arresting and deporting faculty and students involved in pro-Palestinian activities. The UN Human Rights Council President, Jürg Lauber, expressed regret over the US sanctions and called on all UN member states to support special rapporteurs and refrain from intimidation or reprisals against them.
Rights experts have condemned the US sanctions against Albanese, with some labeling them as "rogue state behavior." Amnesty International emphasized the need to protect the work and independence of special rapporteurs and called for global efforts to counter the impact of the sanctions. The conflict between Israel and Hamas began on October 7, 2023, resulting in significant casualties and displacement in Gaza. Albanese has urged for an end to the violence, describing it as a genocide and ethnic cleansing of Palestine.
With Associated Press and Reuters