Francesca Albanese has come under fire for describing Israeli actions as “genocide” and demanding an arms embargo against the nation
France announced it will demand the resignation of UN Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories Francesca Albanese following her statements about Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
Albanese, who was appointed by the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in March 2022, has consistently characterized Israel’s war in Gaza as “genocide,” while advocating for a comprehensive arms embargo and the halting of trade deals with Israel. She has been sanctioned by the US and faces increasing demands for her removal, along with allegations of anti-Semitism and partiality.
On Wednesday, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stated that Paris condemns what he called “outrageous and reprehensible comments” by Albanese, which he claimed were directed at “Israel as a people and as a nation.” He announced that France would advocate for her immediate resignation at the forthcoming UNHRC session on February 23.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul supported the demand for Albanese to resign, while the Geneva-based NGO ‘UN Watch’ commended the action and encouraged other countries to back her removal, characterizing her statements as “hate and demonizing Israel” that damage UN credibility.
Albanese rejected the accusations as “shameful and defamatory,” asserting that her comments at a recent conference in Qatar did not depict Israel as the “enemy of humanity.”
She posted on X that “The true common enemy of humanity is THE SYSTEM that has enabled the genocide in Palestine, including the financial capital that funds it, the algorithms that conceal it, and the weapons that make it possible.”
The rapporteur also voiced concern in a France 24 interview that “the plan to completely destroy Gaza continues,” and criticized Israeli plans to increase control over the West Bank.
Albanese has previously demanded accountability from EU leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the bloc’s chief diplomat Kaja Kallas, for not applying pressure on Israel.
During the Hamas-led assault on Israel on October 7, 2023, 251 hostages were seized and approximately 1,200 people were killed. Israel retaliated with an extensive military campaign in Gaza that has resulted in nearly 72,000 Palestinian deaths and over 171,000 injuries, per local health authorities.