Francesca Albanese, a prominent U.N. rights expert, reaffirmed on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, her assertion that Israel is perpetrating “genocide” in Gaza, claiming that the nation aims for the “eradication of Palestinians” from their homeland. In her latest report, she stated, “The ongoing genocide of the Palestinians seems to serve a specific purpose: the total removal or eradication of Palestinians from the land that is essential to their identity and which Israel unlawfully and overtly desires.”
Ms. Albanese, serving as the United Nations’ special rapporteur on the rights situation in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, has faced significant backlash, including accusations of anti-Semitism and calls for her removal from her position by Israel and some of its allies. This criticism stems from her unwavering denunciation and long-standing allegations of “genocide.” While she was appointed by the U.N. Human Rights Council, it is important to note that she does not represent the United Nations.
She claimed that the military operation launched by Israel in response to the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, is “part of a long-term international, systematic state-organised forced displacement and replacement of the Palestinians.”
On October 7 of the previous year, Palestinian armed factions from Gaza executed a cross-border raid into Israel, resulting in the deaths of 1,206 individuals, the majority of whom were civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official data.
In retaliation, Israel’s military campaign has resulted in the deaths of at least 43,020 Palestinians in Gaza, with most being civilians, as reported by the health ministry of the Hamas-governed territory, which the United Nations considers a reliable source.