GENEVA — A UN knowledgeable on Thursday referred to as on states to impose an arms embargo and lower off commerce and monetary ties with Israel, which she alleged is waging a “genocidal marketing campaign” in Gaza.
In a speech to the UN Human Rights Council, UN Particular Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories Francesca Albanese mentioned: “The scenario within the occupied Palestinian territory is apocalyptic.”
“Israel is accountable for one of many cruelest genocides in fashionable historical past,” she added, in a speech that was met with a burst of applause from the Geneva council.
Israel’s diplomatic mission in Geneva didn’t instantly reply to a request for touch upon Albanese’s speech.
Israel has rejected accusations of genocide in Gaza, citing its proper to self-defense following the lethal October 7, 2023, Hamas assault. Its delegate was not current within the room consistent with a brand new coverage to disengage with the council which Israel says has an antisemitic bias.
Albanese, one in all dozens of impartial UN-mandated consultants to doc abuses around the globe, was presenting her newest report which named over 60 corporations she mentioned have been concerned in supporting Israeli settlements and army actions in Gaza.
“What I expose isn’t an inventory, it’s a system, and that’s to be addressed,” she advised the council.
“We should reverse the tide,” she added, calling for states to impose a full arms embargo, droop all commerce agreements and guarantee corporations face authorized penalties for his or her involvement in violations of worldwide legislation.
Israel’s diplomatic mission in Geneva earlier this week mentioned Albanese’s newest report was “legally groundless, defamatory and a flagrant abuse of her workplace.” — Reuters