US Sanctions UN Expert Francesca Albanese Over Gaza, ICC Remarks
The United States has sanctioned Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in the Palestinian territories, over her calls for international legal action against American and Israeli officials and her sharp criticism of US policy on Gaza.
Announcing the move on Wednesday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused Albanese of “shameful efforts” to push the International Criminal Court (ICC) to issue arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and several US officials and executives.
“We will not tolerate these campaigns of political and economic warfare, which threaten our national interests and sovereignty,” Rubio said. He also accused Albanese of sending “threatening letters” to US companies and making “unfounded accusations,” urging the ICC to prosecute them over alleged complicity in Israeli military actions.
UN Criticism and Fallout
Albanese has frequently condemned US and Israeli actions in Gaza. She drew particular attention earlier this year for denouncing former US President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal to relocate Gaza’s population as “unlawful” and “an international crime.”
“It’s immoral and completely irresponsible. It will make the regional crisis even worse,” she said during a visit to Copenhagen on February 5. Rubio also accused Albanese of promoting antisemitism and supporting terrorism — claims her supporters have previously rejected as politically motivated.
The UN Human Rights Council has yet to comment on the sanctions. Albanese, whose mandate is independent, has not responded publicly.
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