The United States has imposed sanctions on Francesca Albanese, the United Nations special rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories, over what it described as “biased and inflammatory” remarks critical of Israel.
In response to the sanctions, Albanese appeared to dismiss the measures as “mafia-style intimidation techniques” designed to silence independent scrutiny of Israel’s policies. She said: “These sanctions are nothing more than an attempt to bully and threaten UN officials who dare to speak the truth about human rights violations.”
The Trump administration, which reimposed the sanctions in the final months of its tenure, accused Albanese of undermining diplomatic efforts and contributing to anti-Israel sentiment internationally.
Human rights organizations have condemned the US decision, calling it an attack on the independence of the United Nations and a dangerous precedent for retaliating against experts for their work.
Albanese has long been a vocal critic of Israel’s occupation policies, labeling them “systematic violations of international law.” Her reports have documented settlement expansion, displacement of Palestinians, and excessive use of force.
