Albanese Defies Western Pressure, Rejects Resignation Over Gaza Genocide Reports
UN Special Rapporteur says she will not step down, urges states to address documented Israeli violations instead of targeting her personally.
Palestine | PUREWILAYAH.COM — Francesca Albanese, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories, has rejected calls for her resignation, stating that she will not yield to pressure from governments that “violate international law and fail to condemn genocide.”
In an interview with Al Jazeera Mubasher, Albanese said the focus should remain on the findings of her reports documenting Israeli violations in Gaza and the West Bank, rather than on political attacks directed at her personally.
She emphasized that the debate must center on the substance of documented evidence, not on attempts to discredit the messenger.
Allegations of Smear Campaign
Albanese stated that she is facing what she described as a coordinated campaign against her following her condemnation of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, which she has characterized as genocide.
“The attack against me is insignificant compared to the genocide endured by Palestinians,” she said.
Responding to accusations that she exceeded her UN mandate, Albanese asserted that she has acted strictly within her official responsibilities. She added that the intensity of the backlash reflects the impact of her human rights reporting.
She also clarified that her position as Special Rapporteur is unpaid and confirmed that she has faced personal pressure and sanctions. According to Albanese, her work is motivated by the suffering of Palestinians, particularly civilians in Gaza.
Dispute with French Foreign Minister
Albanese also addressed criticism from Jean-Noël Barrot, who publicly called for her resignation following remarks she delivered via video at the Al Jazeera Forum in Doha.
Barrot told members of the European Parliament that France “unreservedly condemns” what he described as “disgraceful and scandalous statements” made by Albanese. He claimed her comments targeted Israel as a people and as a nation rather than criticizing government policies.
In response, Albanese stated that such reactions reinforce what she described as continued political protection for Israel. She argued that Western officials should prioritize condemning Israeli crimes rather than attacking UN mandate holders documenting violations.
Remarks at Doha Forum
During her intervention at the Doha forum, Albanese referred to what she described as a “common enemy” that enabled genocide in Gaza.
She stated that instead of halting Israel’s actions, many governments continued supplying arms, political cover, and financial support.
“Instead of stopping Israel, most of the world armed it, provided it with excuses and political cover, and offered economic and financial backing,” she said.
Her remarks have intensified diplomatic tensions between certain Western governments and UN human rights mechanisms.
The controversy surrounding Albanese highlights deep divisions within the international community over accountability for Israel’s actions in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories.
While several Western states have criticized her statements, Albanese maintains that her mandate obliges her to report on violations of international law without political consideration.
She reiterated that she will continue her work and will not resign under pressure. (PW)