The Trump administration imposed the sanctions after accusing Albanese of “biased and malicious activities” and “lawfare,” including recommending that the International Criminal Court issue arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defence minister, Yoav Gallant.
“It is undisputed that her recommendations have no binding effect on the ICC’s actions – they are nothing more than her opinion,” Leon said in his decision.
(May 15, 2026)
Judge Leon made preliminary findings that President Donald Trump’s administration likely violated Albanese’s right to free speech by imposing sanctions against her. In his 26-page decision, he discussed the applicability of the First Amendment to Albanese, including an extensive discussion of the significance of free expression. He wrote:
Albanese has done nothing more than speak! It is undisputed that her recommendations have no binding effect on the ICC’s actions–they are nothing more than her opinion… Finally, protecting the freedom of speech is “always” in the public interest… Indeed, the “proudest boast” of our First Amendment is that it protects the freedom to express even “the thought that we hate.” Enough said.
(May 13, 2026)
Secretary of State Marco Rubio imposed the sanctions on Francesca Albanese, the United Nations special rapporteur for Palestinian human rights, last July under an executive order President Donald Trump signed authorizing such actions against people “directly engaged” in the International Criminal Court’s investigations related to alleged atrocities in Gaza.
However, in a ruling Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Richard Leon said the administration’s sanctions against Albanese violate the First Amendment because they’re based solely on her encouraging the ICC to investigate and prosecute.
(March 8, 2025)
Albanese went on to clarify that UNRWA cannot disappear because it is a UN body protected by international law. „Member states cannot eliminate it by changing laws or cutting funding, as Israel and other countries have attempted. The rights of Palestinian refugees will remain intact because those rights are codified in international law.“
She also raised the issue of Israel’s violations against the UN, citing the destruction of 70% of UN premises in Gaza and the targeting of UNRWA schools, which had been sheltering refugees. „Israel has violated the UN Charter, and it must be held accountable for its actions. I have called for the suspension of Israel‘s credentials in the UN because of its disregard for international rules and laws. Israel has destroyed or damaged UN premises, targeted shelters, and accused the UN of terrorism.“
A group of 151 former ministers, ambassadors, and diplomats accused the French foreign minister, Jean-Noël Barrot, of spreading disinformation on Wednesday (18 February), and called for a correction to comments he made about the United Nations rapporteur for Palestine, Francesca Albanese.
Their open letter concerns Barrot’s citing of a manipulated version of remarks by Albanese, which were made at the Al Jazeera Media Forum on 7 February.
“States claiming to uphold human rights, justice and the rule of law should invest their time and energy in holding to account perpetrators of egregious human rights violations, rather than targeting those investigating and exposing international crimes in an objective way,” the Committee said.
The Committee reminded States that the Special Rapporteur is mandated by the UN Human Rights Council to “investigate Israel’s violations of the principles and bases of international law, international humanitarian law and the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War … in the Palestinian territories occupied by Israel since 1967.”
“Instead of demanding Ms Albanese’s resignation for performing her mandate in very challenging circumstances – including persistent intimidation, coordinated personal attacks and unlawful unilateral sanctions – these Government representatives should join forces to hold accountable, including before the International Criminal Court, leaders and officials accused of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza,” the Committee said.
The UN Coordination Committee – a body of six independent experts which coordinates and facilitates the work of Special Rapporteurs – accused European ministers of relying on „manufactured facts“.
„Instead of demanding Ms Albanese‘s resignation for performing her mandate…these government representatives should join forces to hold accountable, including before the International Criminal Court, leaders and officials accused of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza,“ the Committee said.
(October 20, 2025)
Summary
The ongoing genocide in Gaza is a collective crime, sustained by the complicity of influential Third States that have enabled longstanding systemic violations of international law by Israel. Framed by colonial narratives that dehumanize the Palestinians, this live-streamed atrocity has been facilitated through Third States’ direct support, material aid, diplomatic protection and, in some cases, active participation. It has exposed an unprecedented chasm between peoples and their governments, betraying the trust on which global peace and security rest. The world now stands on a knife-edge between the collapse of the international rule of law and hope for renewal. Renewal is only possible if complicity is confronted, responsibilities are met and justice is upheld.
(…)
25. Certain non-Western States have turned to international courts to seek accountability and pressurize Israel to cease its actions. While only 13 States have supported South Africa before the ICJ, most Western States have persistently denied genocide. None have joined Nicaragua against Germany at the ICJ, or invoked domestic laws against complicit corporations or individuals. Only seven referred the situation to the ICC, many sought to undermine its arrest warrants, and at least 37 States were non-committal or critical, signalling intent to evade arrest obligations.
(…)
. Military Ties: providing the means of destruction
32. While UN resolutions have called for arms embargoes on Israel since 1976, many States have continued supplying it with military support and arms transfers. Israel is disproportionately dependent on weapons imports, with the proportion of their total trade more than double the OECD average, and over four times greater than that of the United States. This international supply has continued, even as the evidence of genocide has mounted, with the United States, Germany and Italy among the largest suppliers. Only a few Western States, notably Spain and Slovenia, have cancelled contracts and imposed embargoes.
(June 30, 2025)
In the present report, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967 investigates the corporate machinery sustaining the Israeli settler-colonial project of displacement and replacement of the Palestinians in the occupied territory. While political leaders and Governments shirk their obligations, far too many corporate entities have profited from the Israeli economy of illegal occupation, apartheid and now genocide. The complicity exposed by the report is just the tip of the iceberg; ending it will not happen without holding the private sector accountable, including# its executives. International law recognizes varying degrees of responsibility – each requiring scrutiny and accountability, particularly in this case, where a people’s self-determination and very existence are at stake. This is a necessary step to end the genocide and dismantle the global system that has allowed it.
(February 15, 2026)
(December 6, 2025)
At the Doha Forum, UN special rapporteur Francesca Albanese outlined how US sanctions imposed over her Gaza reports have effectively removed her from the global financial system. She said the measures, which she calls unlawful, have had a major impact on her everyday life.
(February 14, 2026)
It appears to come from pro-Israel propagandist @HillelNeuer
, executive director of @UNWatch
. (Says also Grok.👇)
(February 9, 2026)
the common enemy of humanity is THE SYSTEM that has enabled the genocide in Palestine, including the financial capital that funds it, the algorithms that obscure it and the weapons that enable it.
(February 16, 2026)
The letter, organised by the group Artists for Palestine and reported by Agence France-Presse (AFP), confirmed the support of more than 100 cultural figures. Among them are actors Mark Ruffalo and Javier Bardem, Nobel Prize-winning writer Annie Ernaux, and British musician Annie Lennox.
In the letter, the signatories said: “We offer our full support to Francesca Albanese, a defender of human rights and therefore also of the Palestinian people’s right to exist.”
The statement added: “There are infinitely more of us in every corner of the Earth who want force no longer to be the law. Who know what the word ‘law’ truly means.”
(February 13, 2026)
“It is reprehensible that ministers in Austria, Czechia, France, Germany and Italy have attacked the UN Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Francesca Albanese, based on a deliberately truncated video to misrepresent and gravely misconstrue her messages – as is clear from watching her original address in its entirety.
“The ministers that have spread disinformation must act beyond merely deleting their comments on social media – as some have done. They must publicly apologize and retract any calls for Francesca Albanese’s resignation. Their governments must also investigate how this disinformation happened with a view to preventing such situations.
“If only these ministers had been as loud and forceful in confronting a state committing genocide, unlawful occupation and apartheid as they have in attacking a UN expert. Their cowardice and refusal to hold Israel accountable stand in stark contrast to the Special Rapporteur’s unwavering commitment to speaking truth to power.
(February 14, 2026)
Dujarric refused to comment on whether Guterres had listened to Albanese’s speech, telling reporters, “You should ask him instead.”
Johann Wadephul und Jean-Noël Barrot werfen Albanese vor, sie habe Israel als »Feind der Menschheit« bezeichnet. Was aber hat sie tatsächlich gesagt im Interview mit Al-Dschasira? Die Gruppe »United Staff for Gaza«, ein Zusammenschluss ehemaliger und aktueller UN-Mitarbeiter, publizierte am Sonnabend eine klare Unterstützungserklärung und veröffentlichte das angeprangerte Zitat im Original: »Das System der globalen Komplizenschaft mit dem Völkermord – auf der Basis von finanziellen Interessen, Algorithmen der sozialen Medien und des Waffenhandels – ist inzwischen offen einsehbar für jeden und es hat sich entblößt als allgemeiner Feind der Menschheit.«
(February 12, 2026)
“I respect the UN system of independent rapporteurs. However, Ms Albanese has made numerous inappropriate remarks in the past. I condemn her recent statements about Israel. She is untenable in her position,” Wadephul writes on X.
Wadephul’s French counterpart Jean-Noel Barrot made the same call yesterday for Albanese to resign, over the same comments.
Speaking via videoconference at a forum Saturday in Doha, Qatar, organized by the Al Jazeera network, Albanese referred to a “common enemy” that enabled the “genocide” in Gaza.
(February 12, 2026)
He never wavered. Speaking from the Assemblée Nationale on Wednesday, February 11, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stood to condemn in the name of France and without „any reservation, the outrageous and reprehensible remarks of Francesca Albanese.“ Barrot called for the resignation of the United Nations special rapporteur for the Palestinian territories.
Caroline Yadan, the lawmaker for the 8th constituency of French citizens abroad, which includes Israel, nodded in agreement from her seat in the chamber. She had questioned the foreign minister during the government questions session about the case of this UN expert,
(February 14, 2026)
She will continue to expose Israel’s crimes whether she is the UN’s Special Rapporteur or not. My message to them is simple: Francesca Albanese may be even more successful in shining light on Israel’s genocide if you strip her of her UN role. Beware what you wish for!
(February 8, 2026)
This outrageous attack by a UN member State against a UN General Assembly-mandated organisation is unprecedented, dangerous, and should spur the international community into action, especially in view of the Provisional measures of the ICJ in the case brought by South Africa and the recent ICJ opinion, confirming that Israel has no right to interfere with UNRWA’s work.
This attack constitutes a grave violation of the privileges and immunities of the United Nations, and an apparent international crime which adds to the long list that Israel continues to commit in the Palestinian territory it illegally occupies.
These actions are part of Israel‘s genocidal strategy that will not pause of its own volition; it must be stopped through tangible actions from States that must ensure accountability and cut ties with Israel.
I call on the Secretary General to request that the General Assembly convene a special session and consider next steps following these unprecedented attacks on UNRWA and the wider UN.
It is time for the General Assembly to suspend Israel’s credentials, pursuant to Article 6 of the UN Charter, and authorise sanctions and embargoes against Israel, especially on the arms trade.”
The experts have also expressed serious concern as to the overbreadth of the definition of terrorism under UK law, the proscription of Palestine Action under the Terrorism Act 2000, and the subsequent mass arrests and criminal charges, including terrorism-related offenses, brought against individuals for alleged support for Palestine Action.
“These hunger strikes must be understood within the broader context of restrictions on pro-Palestinian activism in the UK,” the experts said, noting that the detainees are held in connection with protest-related activity.
They urged the United Kingdom to immediately guarantee appropriate healthcare for all hunger strikers, and engage in meaningful dialogue and action to address not only the claims of the protestors, but also underlying rights violations, and an end to the repression of Palestine activism.
“Preventable deaths in custody are never acceptable. The State bears full responsibility for the lives and wellbeing of those it detains,” the experts said. “Urgent action is required now.”
The experts stand ready to engage constructively with the UK Government and will continue to monitor the situation closely.
*The experts:
– Gina Romero, the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association
– Tlaleng Mofokeng, the Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health
– Cecilia M. Bailliet, the Independent Expert on human rights and international solidarity
– George Katrougalos, the Independent expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order
– Ben Saul, the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism
– Irene Khan, the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression
– Francesca Albanese, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967
The experts urged Member States to act decisively to end the pattern of systematic violations of international law and suffering in occupied Palestine and restore international peace and security.
They called for the following urgent measures:
– Guaranteeing safe humanitarian access through UN-supervised land and naval corridors, including temporary housing before winter;
– Opening humanitarian corridors toward the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Israel for the wounded, sick, older persons, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, and children;
– Imposing sanctions on Israel for continued violations of international law and illegal occupation;
– A comprehensive arms embargo on Israel;
– Full and free access to international media to the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including throughout Gaza.
– Ensuring that independent, international investigations are conducted into serious violations of international law, including the killing of civilians in the Gaza Strip, and that prosecutions are initiated under universal jurisdiction;
– Considering a UN-led international intervention if attacks persist and the humanitarian situation deteriorates further.
*The experts:
– Francesca Albanese: Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967;
– George Katrougalos, Independent Expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order
– Ashwini K.P., Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance
– Olivier De Schutter: Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights
– Morris Tidball-Binz, Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions
– Ben Saul, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism
– Irene Khan, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression
– Paula Gaviria, Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons
– Tlaleng Mofokeng, UN Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health
– Heba Hagrass, Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities
– Farida Shaheed, Special Rapporteur on the right to education
– Michael Fakhri, Special Rapporteur on the right to food
– Pedro Arrojo Agudo, Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation
– Gina Romero, Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association
– Siobhán Mullally, the Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children
– Reem Alsalem, Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, its causes and consequences
– Nicolas Levrat, Special Rapporteur on minority issues
– Michelle Small (Chair-Rapporteur), Ravindran Daniel, Jovana Jezdimirovic Ranito, Joana de Deus Pereira, Andrés Macías Tolosa, Working Group on the use of mercenaries
– Carlos Duarte (Chair), Working Group on the rights of peasants and other people working in rural areas
– Ivana Krstić (Vice-Chair), Dorothy Estrada Tanck, Haina Lu, and Laura Nyirinkindi, Working Group on discrimination against women and girls
(October 20, 2025)
Summary
The ongoing genocide in Gaza is a collective crime, sustained by the complicity of influential Third States that have enabled longstanding systemic violations of international law by Israel. Framed by colonial narratives that dehumanize the Palestinians, this live-streamed atrocity has been facilitated through Third States’ direct support, material aid, diplomatic protection and, in some cases, active participation. It has exposed an unprecedented chasm between peoples and their governments, betraying the trust on which global peace and security rest. The world now stands on a knife-edge between the collapse of the international rule of law and hope for renewal. Renewal is only possible if complicity is confronted, responsibilities are met and justice is upheld.
(…)
25. Certain non-Western States have turned to international courts to seek accountability and pressurize Israel to cease its actions. While only 13 States have supported South Africa before the ICJ, most Western States have persistently denied genocide. None have joined Nicaragua against Germany at the ICJ, or invoked domestic laws against complicit corporations or individuals. Only seven referred the situation to the ICC, many sought to undermine its arrest warrants, and at least 37 States were non-committal or critical, signalling intent to evade arrest obligations.
(…)
. Military Ties: providing the means of destruction
32. While UN resolutions have called for arms embargoes on Israel since 1976, many States have continued supplying it with military support and arms transfers. Israel is disproportionately dependent on weapons imports, with the proportion of their total trade more than double the OECD average, and over four times greater than that of the United States. This international supply has continued, even as the evidence of genocide has mounted, with the United States, Germany and Italy among the largest suppliers. Only a few Western States, notably Spain and Slovenia, have cancelled contracts and imposed embargoes.
The UN special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, Francesca Albanese, has accused major European powers, including the UK, Italy and Germany, of complicity in the genocide in Gaza and warned that their government officials should face legal consequences.
In an interview with the Expert Witness podcast on 3 November, Albanese discussed the findings of her latest report, titled Gaza Genocide: A Collective Crime, where she cited evidence of the alleged responsibility of 63 states for enabling Israeli breaches of international law.