Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories, stated that politicians leading the world have emptied international law of its meaning. She considers the issue not a failure of international law itself but a failure of the political will of member states, which should have prevented the aggression from the start. Albanese described the situation as horrific, criminal, and extremely dangerous, urging member states to intervene immediately to stop the ongoing aggression; otherwise, living conditions in Gaza will worsen dramatically.

She expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of journalists killed while performing their duties, noting that over 244 journalists, including colleagues from Al Jazeera and other organizations, have lost their lives. Albanese emphasized the necessity of protecting journalists, hospitals, doctors, patients, displaced persons, and first responders, citing repeated attacks on Nasser Hospital as an example of violations of such protections.

The UN rapporteur called on member states to cooperate in arresting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Galant, who are wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC). She warned that US pressure and threats against the ICC could lead to its collapse or paralysis.

Albanese stressed the importance of enforcing international standards and preventing these individuals from entering European, Arab, African, Asian, and Latin American countries. She also demanded imposing an arms trade embargo and sanctions, considering these measures essential to stopping the aggression.

She underscored the need to lift the siege on Gaza and allow humanitarian aid to enter, affirming that Israel cannot block aid access to the Strip, and that the political will of member states must unite and intervene to overcome Israeli obstacles.

Responding to sanctions imposed on her personally instead of Israel, Albanese noted strong reactions from Israel and the United States against her and ICC judges and prosecutors. She highlighted that previously taboo concepts have been broken, referencing Irish President Michael D. Higgins’ unprecedented call for military intervention in the occupied Palestinian territories.

She mentioned the resignation of Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp due to failure to reach government consensus on sanctions against Israel, emphasizing that pressure must continue to stop arms transfers and sales. No country has done enough to halt the aggression, as states still engage with Israel and conduct trade deals.

Albanese explained that the double standards applied to Israel mainly stem from the support of most Western countries led by the United States. She pointed out that Israel has benefited from infiltrating security, intelligence, and technology systems, making it indispensable, but affirmed that governments must now realize this is a conflict between democracy and dictatorship.

Regarding the role of peoples in economic boycott, Albanese said her report available in Arabic details how Israel has used the private sector for over 50 years to sustain the occupation economy, exploit Palestinian natural resources, and assist in displacement and replacement operations, which in recent weeks has turned into a genocide economy.

She called on ordinary citizens to reconsider where they spend their money and which banks they use, ensuring they do not support companies involved in Israeli military operations. This is the least civilians can do to avoid being part of the apartheid and genocide system. She also urged governments to cut ties with Israel.