UN Rapporteur Francesca Albanese Stands Firm Against Gaza Genocide Claims Amid U.S. Sanctions

Francesca Albanese, the UN Rapporteur for Palestine, is determined to raise her voice against what she describes as a genocide occurring in Gaza. Despite facing intimidation tactics reminiscent of mafia methods, particularly from the United States following recent sanctions against her, Albanese has pledged to continue her work with determination. In her latest statements to Repubblica, she expressed her resolve, stating, "They want to intimidate me and anyone who tries to speak the truth about the ongoing genocide in Gaza. But they won't succeed. I will continue doing my work with my head held high, demanding the intervention of the International Criminal Court (ICC)." Albanese has specifically called for accountability for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging that he be judged for his actions in The Hague. Her report highlights the complicity of 45 private companies, including prominent U.S. firms like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and IBM, that profit from the destruction and suffering in Gaza. "The war does not cease due to Israel's territorial ambitions, which are supported by arms, surveillance technology, and artificial intelligence companies that are profiting greatly from this conflict," she argued, underlining the systemic links between capitalism and the ongoing humanitarian crisis. The response from U.S. officials has been swift. Secretary of State Marco Rubio publicly condemned Albanese, labeling her unfit for her role by accusing her of antisemitism, terrorism support, and disdain for the U.S., Israel, and Western countries. The U.S. sanctions imposed on her have been characterized by the UN as a dangerous precedent, while Amnesty International condemned them as shameful and vindictive. In Italy, support for Albanese is gaining traction, with an online petition that rapidly garnered over 17,000 signatures within just two hours, advocating for her diplomatic protection and even a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize. Despite the pressures, Albanese has maintained that her focus remains on justice for the victims of the crisis. "I have written six reports for the UN, consistently advocating for the need to investigate grave crimes such as arbitrary detention, the treatment of minors, and genocide. I am calling on the ICC to determine accountability for these actions," she stated. Albanese criticized the current U.S. stance, declaring, "The U.S. at this moment is a country allergic to justice, imposing sanctions against the Court and anyone attempting to uphold the enforcement of law, using intimidating techniques reminiscent of the mafia." She believes that this economic and political power is effectively trying to silence dissent and fracture unity among those who oppose its narratives. Regarding the impact of the sanctions on her, Albanese noted, "Psychologically, none. Practically, it will complicate my life a lot. But I am a privileged westerner, technically protected by the UN's diplomatic immunity, while people in Gaza are dying from hunger, misery, or under bombs." She poignantly recalled the staggering loss of life in the Strip—over 60,000 people, including 18,000 children, have perished amid the ongoing conflict. Albanese urges for the international community and institutions to take charge, even as she recognizes the challenging dynamics presented by sectors like the military industry, high finance, and technology, which hold substantial power over national judicial systems. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2