Francesca Albanese, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, stated in Belgrade that what she described as “genocide” in Palestinian areas is being carried out with the complicity of the international community and the approval of governments.
Speaking at a public forum, Albanese criticized the actions of Israel in Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank, arguing that decades of “dehumanization” of Palestinians have enabled crimes against humanity.
She claimed that since the start of the war in Gaza in October 2023, tens of thousands of people have been killed, warning that the violence is ongoing. Albanese also accused governments worldwide of continuing arms trade despite the humanitarian crisis, saying those responsible would eventually “face justice.”
The UN rapporteur emphasized that the issue of Palestine has been central to the United Nations since its founding, describing Israel’s policies as colonial and akin to apartheid, and arguing that Palestinians are denied the right to self-determination.
She referenced rulings by the International Court of Justice, noting that the occupation of Palestinian territories has been deemed unlawful. According to Albanese, even without considering allegations of genocide, supplying weapons to a state engaged in such occupation would violate international law.
Albanese argued that the continuation of violence is linked to global political and economic interests, claiming that “this system connects centers of power with Israel” and that such actions could not occur without international support.
At the same time, she stressed that she is not calling for the destruction of Israel, but for compliance with international law. She praised countries such as Spain and Slovenia for what she described as principled positions.
Albanese also commented on Serbia, criticizing its arms trade relations with Israel, while praising civil society and student protests in the country for their energy and potential for change.
She further noted that she has faced sanctions from the United States over her stance on the Gaza war and has been banned from entering Israel. Despite criticism and canceled appearances across Europe, she continues to advocate on the issue and recently authored the report “Anatomy of a Genocide” on conditions in Palestinian territories.
Albanese concluded by urging citizens worldwide to hold their governments accountable, stating that opposing violence against civilians should be a universal principle.
