Amid the ongoing war in Gaza, the United States has imposed sanctions on Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur, for her outspoken criticism of Israel’s human rights violations. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the decision on Wednesday (local time), accusing Albanese of waging a “political and economic war” against both the United States and Israel.
Albanese serves as the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and has been one of the most vocal critics of Israel’s human rights abuses. Pro-Israel groups have long demanded her removal from the position.
Responding to the sanctions, Albanese told Al Jazeera: “No comments on mafia-style intimidation tactics. I am busy reminding member states of their obligation to stop genocide and ensure accountability for perpetrators and to those who benefit from it.”
Earlier on Wednesday, Albanese had criticized European countries for allowing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces allegations of war crimes, to use their airspace – a move she said contradicts international law.
Source: Al Jazeera.