The US has sanctioned Francesca Albanese, a UN special rapporteur critical of Israel's military actions in Gaza. Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused her of supporting the ICC, which the US labels a threat, citing her alleged antisemitism and calls for boycotts against Israel. This move has stirred controversy amid ongoing civilian casualties in Gaza.
US Government Imposes Sanctions on UN Rapporteur Francesca Albanese Over Gaza Critique
US Government Imposes Sanctions on UN Rapporteur Francesca Albanese Over Gaza Critique
Sanctions against Francesca Albanese highlight tensions between the US and critics of Israel's actions in Gaza amid rising casualties and humanitarian crises.
The Trump administration has imposed sanctions on Francesca Albanese, a UN Human Rights Council special rapporteur known for her vocal criticism of Israel's military actions in Gaza. Secretary of State Marco Rubio articulated that the sanctions were primarily due to her support for the International Criminal Court (ICC), an institution that has faced repercussions from the US for its legal pursuits against American and Israeli nationals.
Rubio accused Ms. Albanese of disqualifying behavior as a UN Special Rapporteur, emphasizing that her direct engagement with the ICC's prosecutions posed a significant risk to US interests. The sanctions will hinder her ability to travel to the US and restrict her financial assets within the country. This latest action marks a continuation of the Trump administration's efforts to counter the ICC, which had previously issued arrest warrants against Israeli leaders for alleged war crimes in Gaza, allegations that Israel has vehemently denied.
Critics of the sanctions have pointed out that this escalation is likely to exacerbate tensions surrounding the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza, where civilian deaths have surged in the wake of the Israeli military offensive that began following a Hamas-initiated attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. Ms. Albanese has consistently advocated for Palestinian rights, arguing that Western governments are failing to address the dire circumstances faced by civilians in the occupied territories.
Her recent comments, urging multinational corporations to cease operations with Israel, have stirred significant backlash. Rubio has mentioned her "threatening letters" to US companies, accusing her of unsubstantiated claims and urging the ICC to hold executives accountable for alleged complicity in war crimes. "Such campaigns of political and economic warfare threaten our national interests," Rubio stated.
Earlier in the month, Ms. Albanese characterized the Israeli occupation as one of genocide and apartheid, stating, “These companies are profiting from illegal occupation… and now genocide.” Her claims were dismissed by Israeli authorities, who labeled her findings as "groundless," asserting they would eventually fade from relevance.
The sanctions arrive concurrently with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Washington, where he garnered support amidst ongoing discussions about military strategies in Gaza. Human rights advocates remain divided, with many asserting that the sanctions against Ms. Albanese represent a politically motivated attempt to undermine voices calling for accountability regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where over 57,575 casualties have been reported according to local health officials.
