Middle East UN Expert: Palestinian Statehood Mustn't Overshadow Gaza Crisis

[CharlieH]

 

 

Francesca Albanese, UN special rapporteur for the occupied territories, calls for practical actions and warns against distracting ‘attention from where it should be: the genocide’

 

 

The United Nations special rapporteur for the occupied territories, Francesca Albanese, has issued a cautionary statement urging world leaders not to let the recognition of a Palestinian state detract from the urgent humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. Albanese stressed the critical importance of addressing mass death and starvation in the region while recognizing the state of Palestine.

 

Albanese highlighted how ongoing debates over Palestinian statehood have yielded little political progress. Instead, they have enabled the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements, further complicating the possibility of establishing a viable Palestinian state. "The territory has been literally eaten out by the advancement of the annexation and colonization," she remarked.

 

Recently, several countries, including Australia, the UK, Canada, and France, committed to recognizing Palestinian statehood at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the two-state solution as "humanity’s best hope to break the cycle of violence in the Middle East."

 

However, Albanese urged that these diplomatic moves should not divert attention from what she terms "the genocide." She called for an international arms embargo on Israel and for accountability for alleged war crimes, advocating that top Israeli officials, charged by the International Criminal Court, be held responsible.

 

The rapporteur demanded an Israeli withdrawal from occupied territories by the September 17 deadline set by the UN General Assembly. "Ending the question of Palestine in line with international law is possible and necessary: end the genocide today, end the permanent occupation this year, and end apartheid," she asserted.

 

Albanese has been a prominent voice for Palestinian rights during her three-year tenure, particularly since the outbreak of conflict following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks. Her reports accusing Israel of operating an "apartheid regime" and committing "acts of genocide" have garnered international attention.

 

Last month, the former Trump administration sanctioned Albanese for her advocacy, labeling her support for ICC action against Israeli officials as "shameful." Despite facing accusations of antisemitism, she has remained steadfast in her mission, refuting claims by emphasizing her call for Israel to comply with international law.

 

"The growing global split over Israel’s actions in Gaza is the ultimate struggle," Albanese said, describing the US sanctions against her as indicative of guilt rather than strength. She expressed disappointment in the broader failure of leaders to adhere to democratic values.

 

She also criticised UN Secretary General António Guterres for not more forcefully condemning violations of UN representatives' privileges. While a spokesperson for Guterres acknowledged the dangerous precedent set by the sanctions, the rapporteur operates independently under the UN Human Rights Council’s mandate.

 

Albanese praised a recent meeting of The Hague Group, a 30-nation conference focused on measures for ending Israel’s occupation. She emphasised the importance of reinvigorating multilateralism within the United Nations, which she believes is at a crossroads.

 

"The UN needs to decide whether to be a real, multilateral platform," she declared, urging a move away from the existing power dynamics that prioritize veto authority. She highlighted how Israel’s prolonged conflict in Gaza has led to a "profound shift" in global perceptions, despite a backdrop of repression.

Albanese noted the increasing support for Palestinians, driven by grassroots movements worldwide. Millions have taken to the streets, demanding an end to the violence in Gaza. She criticised the arrest of protesters and juxtaposed their treatment with that of Israeli officials wanted by the ICC, who travel freely.

 

As a proponent of international law, she argued it remains a vital tool for justice. "When people use it in court, they generally win," she said, expressing optimism about the evolving discourse around Israel's actions.

 

Furthermore, Albanese focused on corporate entities "profiting from genocide" in her recent report. She urged consumers to exercise their power through informed choices, stressing that change extends beyond political leaders to include global businesses.

 

 

 

Despite the dire situation in Gaza, Albanese remains hopeful for the future, drawing inspiration from the younger generation’s commitment to human rights. "An entire new generation now speaks the language of human rights," she said, seeing this as a significant success.

 

Albanese argued that Palestinians have already claimed a moral victory through their resilience and dedication to justice. "Everyone knows what Israel has done to them for the past 77 years," she stated, acknowledging their historical struggle and determination.

 

As the international community continues to grapple with the complexities of the Middle East conflict, Albanese’s call underscores the pressing need for coordinated efforts to address both immediate humanitarian concerns and long-term peace solutions. Her advocacy highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing geopolitical interests with human rights and justice on the global stage.

 

 

 

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Guardian 2025-08-13

 

 

[koolkarl]

Then put pressure on Hamas, Iran and Qatar to release all hostages and for Hamas to lay down arms and give themselves up.

Not once has this been said or implemented.  

[CygnusX1]

14 hours ago, CharlieH said:

Recently, several countries, including Australia, the UK, Canada, and France, committed to recognizing Palestinian statehood at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the two-state solution as "humanity’s best hope to break the cycle of violence in the Middle East."

 

However, Albanese urged that these diplomatic moves should not divert attention from what she terms "the genocide." She called for an international arms embargo on Israel and for accountability for alleged war crimes, advocating that top Israeli officials, charged by the International Criminal Court, be held responsible.

After reading this, I concluded that the Australian Prime Minister had become a transsexual, which given his general Woke attitudes, wouldn’t have surprised me. I then realised that I’d carelessly skimmed the first 2 paragraphs of the article.

[Patong2021]

The public statements made in multiple countries are not really about justice or genuine concern. If they were, the governments  would have been more forceful on the real genocide in Africa, in the Darfur and Congo where hundreds of thousands have been  killed, tortured, sexually violated and dispossessed. It's all about pandering to their respective national interest groups who are both vocal and active in their support for the arabs. That's how politics work. Look at how quickly the  Iran  nuclear program has  fallen off the  public interest radar. Even, interest in the Ukraine war has waned. Next up will be concern over Jedward's change in hairstyle.