The sanctions reflect rising tensions over the conflict and a broader campaign against the International Criminal Court (ICC).
US Imposes Sanctions on UN Expert Francesca Albanese for Gaza Criticism
US Imposes Sanctions on UN Expert Francesca Albanese for Gaza Criticism
Francesca Albanese, a UN rights expert, faces US sanctions due to her critical stance on Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
The Trump administration has enacted sanctions against Francesca Albanese, the UN Human Rights Council's special rapporteur, primarily because of her vocal criticism of Israel's military operations in Gaza. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that these sanctions stem from her affiliation with the International Criminal Court (ICC), which has already faced US sanctions aimed at judges involved in proceedings against American and Israeli nationals.
Rubio emphasized that Albanese's direct engagement with the ICC, particularly in initiatives targeting American and Israeli officials for potential war crimes, made her unsuitable for her role within the UN. Consequently, the sanctions bar her from entering the US and freeze any assets she may possess in the country. This is part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration, which has previously sanctioned four ICC judges following arrest warrants issued against Israeli leaders for war crimes, allegations they vehemently deny.
In his remarks, Rubio also labeled Albanese's rhetoric as "unabashed antisemitism," accusing her of endorsing terrorism and expressing disdain for the US and its allies. This decision could elicit significant backlash from advocacy groups demanding accountability, given rising casualties in Gaza due to the ongoing military actions.
Albanese has consistently claimed that Western nations fail to adequately protect Palestinian rights. Her calls for multinational corporations to sever ties with Israel were prompted by what she described as complicity in military aggression, asserting these companies' profit motives are tied to "illegal occupation, apartheid, and genocide."
In February, Albanese criticized former President Trump's proposal to displace Gaza's residents, deeming it "unlawful" and detrimental to regional stability. The announcement of her sanctions coincides with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's visit to Washington, where he received a warm welcome at the Pentagon amid ongoing international scrutiny of the Gaza conflict.
Albanese has rebutted accusations from member states regarding antisemitism, suggesting they lack any substantial adherence to international law. Her office has been contacted for further comment on her current situation. Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to escalate, with reports indicating more than 57,575 fatalities since Hamas's attacks began in early October. The vast majority of civilians in Gaza have been forcibly displaced, with essential services collapsing under the strains of conflict.
Rubio emphasized that Albanese's direct engagement with the ICC, particularly in initiatives targeting American and Israeli officials for potential war crimes, made her unsuitable for her role within the UN. Consequently, the sanctions bar her from entering the US and freeze any assets she may possess in the country. This is part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration, which has previously sanctioned four ICC judges following arrest warrants issued against Israeli leaders for war crimes, allegations they vehemently deny.
In his remarks, Rubio also labeled Albanese's rhetoric as "unabashed antisemitism," accusing her of endorsing terrorism and expressing disdain for the US and its allies. This decision could elicit significant backlash from advocacy groups demanding accountability, given rising casualties in Gaza due to the ongoing military actions.
Albanese has consistently claimed that Western nations fail to adequately protect Palestinian rights. Her calls for multinational corporations to sever ties with Israel were prompted by what she described as complicity in military aggression, asserting these companies' profit motives are tied to "illegal occupation, apartheid, and genocide."
In February, Albanese criticized former President Trump's proposal to displace Gaza's residents, deeming it "unlawful" and detrimental to regional stability. The announcement of her sanctions coincides with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's visit to Washington, where he received a warm welcome at the Pentagon amid ongoing international scrutiny of the Gaza conflict.
Albanese has rebutted accusations from member states regarding antisemitism, suggesting they lack any substantial adherence to international law. Her office has been contacted for further comment on her current situation. Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to escalate, with reports indicating more than 57,575 fatalities since Hamas's attacks began in early October. The vast majority of civilians in Gaza have been forcibly displaced, with essential services collapsing under the strains of conflict.
