A UN expert has issued a stark appeal to countries to impose an arms embargo and end trade and financial ties with Israel, which she says is waging a genocidal campaign in Gaza, Reuters reported, News.bg reports.
In a speech to the UN Human Rights Council, the special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, Francesca Albanese, described the situation as “apocalyptic”. She said that Israel is responsible for one of the worst genocides in modern history. Her words were greeted with thunderous applause by those present in Geneva.
The Israeli diplomatic mission in Geneva did not comment on Albanese's speech. Israel denies accusations of genocide and has justified its actions by citing the right to self-defense following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. The country does not participate in the UN Human Rights Council, which Israel says is biased and anti-Semitic.
Albanese, who is one of the UN's independent experts mandated to document rights abuses around the world, presented her latest report. It names more than 60 companies that she claims support Israeli settlements and military operations in Gaza.
“What I am revealing is not just a list, it is a system that needs to be examined,“ she said. Albanese called on countries to impose a complete arms embargo, end all trade agreements and ensure that companies face legal consequences for their involvement in violations of international law.
Earlier this week, the Israeli diplomatic mission in Geneva called Albanese's report “legally unfounded, defamatory and a blatant abuse of power“.