UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese has called for the United Nations to consider suspending Israel’s membership over alleged human rights abuses against Palestinians. Addressing the UN Committee on the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People in New York, Albanese argued that Israel’s actions in Gaza go beyond war crimes, constituting genocide. Albanese’s report emphasized Israel’s alleged intent to “deliberately inflict conditions calculated to bring about the physical destruction” of Palestinians. She stated that continued impunity has turned Israel into a “serial violator” of international law, encouraging actions that breach UN resolutions and norms.
Debate Over the Use of “Genocide”
The use of the term “genocide” by Albanese and other UN experts has fueled international debate. The definition of genocide, based on the 1948 Genocide Convention, includes acts aimed at destroying a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group. Albanese argued that Israel’s actions, including displacement, restricted humanitarian aid, and targeted attacks on civilians, collectively form a pattern indicative of genocidal intent. She claimed that while proving genocide requires establishing intent, Israel’s conduct illustrates such an intent. The Israeli government and some international figures have dismissed these allegations, pointing to the complexity of intent in classifying acts as genocide.
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Escalating Criticism from UN Experts
Other UN officials have echoed Albanese’s concerns. Tlaleng Mofokeng, UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Health, condemned Israel for deliberately imposing famine and dehydration on Gaza, noting that health facilities in Gaza have been heavily targeted, reducing most of the region to rubble. Mofokeng warned that the destruction of Gaza’s health infrastructure could impair a generation, stating, “The Strip now is a wasteland of rubble and human remains.” Furthermore, UN Commissioner Chris Sidoti highlighted how Israel’s occupation and settlement expansion had reached a point of unlawfulness, advocating for immediate international intervention.
Broader Call for Accountability
Several countries and international bodies are now advocating for measures that could curb Israel’s actions. South Africa recently submitted a 750-page memorandum to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), supporting claims of genocide in Gaza. The ICJ has responded, urging Israel to prevent further genocidal acts and supporting measures to expand humanitarian aid. These proceedings have reignited discussions about third-party accountability, with calls for sanctions and embargoes against countries that financially or diplomatically support Israel.
Global Reactions and Controversy
Albanese’s statements have drawn both support and criticism globally. The United States has strongly objected, with UN Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield calling Albanese’s accusations “unfit” and accusing her of antisemitism. In contrast, UK Labour leader Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy have rejected the genocide label but urged adherence to international law. A coalition of over 300 UK Arab leaders publicly criticized Lammy’s stance, accusing him of disregarding international legal standards on genocide and human rights.
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As the debate intensifies, Albanese’s comments have prompted renewed calls within the UN for sanctions and legal action against Israel. Diana Buttu, a Palestinian human rights official, expressed frustration at the international community’s inaction, while Malta’s UN representative emphasized that diplomacy, not just legal proceedings, is essential for resolving the conflict. The committee’s chair, Cheikh Niang, expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people, noting that ongoing investigations and documentation are crucial for accountability.