U.S. Sanctions UN Expert Albanese Over Israel Criticism
The United States has imposed sanctions on Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur for human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories, following her outspoken condemnation of Israel’s actions in Gaza and her advocacy at the International Criminal Court. The move intensifies a growing clash between Washington and the United Nations’ human rights bodies.
Albanese Sanctions
Led by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the sanctions target Albanese for what he described as “illegitimate and shameful” efforts to prompt ICC investigations into Israeli—and U.S.—officials and companies. Rubio framed her actions as a threat to U.S. sovereignty and national interests.
U.S. Sovereignty
The sanctions reflect a broader trend in U.S. policy under the current administration to challenge international institutions. This includes resistance to the U.N. Human Rights Council and the ICC, especially after calls for probes into alleged war crimes by both the U.S. and Israel. Rubio characterized Albanese’s campaign as “political and economic warfare” aimed at undermining U.S. authority.
Gaza UN
Albanese’s reports have portrayed Israel’s conduct in Gaza as potentially genocidal, highlighting over sixty companies she alleges are complicit through the supply of military equipment or services. She also advocated for an international arms embargo and targeted sanctions, proposals that clearly triggered Washington’s ire.
Global Backlash
Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, condemned the U.S. move as a dangerous precedent. Critics warned that sanctioning UN experts would chill international oversight of human rights abuses and erode accountability mechanisms.
Albanese Response
Responding firmly, Albanese dismissed the sanctions as “mafia-style intimidation,” and reaffirmed her commitment to exposing genocide in Gaza. She urged UN member states to act against those she deems responsible, maintaining that independent scrutiny is essential—even in the face of political pressure.
