UN expert on Palestinian territories denounces ‘toxic’ attacks against her

GENEVA - The UN expert on the Palestinian territories, Ms Francesca Albanese, denounced on Feb 26 what she described as “toxic” attacks impacting her personal life and work, after a number of

European states called for her resignation

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In recent weeks, Germany, France, Italy and others have called for Ms Albanese to step down over her criticism of Israel.

Ms Albanese, an Italian lawyer, said the remarks were taken out of context and misconstrued.

“I can tell you how toxic and personally damaging for me and for my family these past days, weeks and months have been,” Ms Albanese, Special Rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories, told reporters via video link from Jordan.

A letter seen by Reuters, sent by the permanent mission of Israel in Geneva to the Council’s president on Feb 15, stated that she had flagrantly violated the UN’s code of conduct.

“As long as she holds a UN mandate, she fundamentally undermines the credibility and moral authority of the United Nations,” the letter stated, adding that Ms Albanese had repeatedly shared antisemitic tropes - allegations that Ms Albanese has previously denied.

On Feb 24, the ambassador to the French mission to the UN in Geneva reiterated concerns by the French foreign minister of “extremely problematic statements” by a United Nations Special Rapporteur - in an apparent reference to Ms Albanese, without mentioning her by name.

“All those who speak under the auspices of the United Nations - including Special Rapporteurs - must exercise the restraint, moderation, and discretion required by their mandate,” Ms Celine Jurgensen told delegates at the UN Human Rights Council.

Ms Albanese described sanctions imposed on her by the United States in July as being part of a broader strategy by the current US administration to weaken international accountability mechanisms.

The US sanctioned Albanese for what it described as “illegitimate and shameful efforts to prompt (International Criminal Court) action against US and Israeli officials, companies, and executives” in a report to the Human Rights Council.

“These smears, the sanctions, the continuous attacks from all over, from those very states who should use that energy as stamina to go after those who are accused by the highest court in the world of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide,” Ms Albanese stated.

Ms Albanese’s family sued US President Donald Trump’s administration on Feb 25, alleging in a complaint filed in federal court in Washington that the US sanctions are “effectively debanking her and making it nearly impossible to meet the needs of her daily life”.

A State Department spokesperson said the lawsuit was baseless. “The United States will continue to condemn and oppose her biased and malicious activities, which have long made her unfit for her role,” the spokesperson said, calling Ms Albanese “a disgrace”.

Israel has strongly denied and dismissed allegations of genocide. In September 2025, Israeli ambassador Daniel Meron said a UN report which said top Israeli officials had incited genocide during the war in Gaza was “scandalous” and “fake”.

The president of the UN Human Rights Council, Mr Sidharto Reza Suryodipuro, on Feb 23 expressed concern and regret at personal attacks directed “against certain mandate holders” at the Council and reiterated his support for them.

“Their independence and protection remains essential to the effectiveness, credibility and legitimacy of the council’s collective action.” REUTERS