Press release
Geneva – April 30, 2024
Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, has underscored a deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the broader occupied region, condemning Israel’s relentless assault. Despite Israel’s denial of access, Albanese’s recent visit to Egypt and Jordan shed light on the dire situation faced by Palestinians.
Albanese expressed grave concern over the widespread violence permeating the occupied territories, emphasizing that no Palestinian is safe under Israel’s control.
She highlighted the catastrophic conditions in Gaza, worsened by Israel’s destruction of vital infrastructure, leading to severe injuries, loss of life, and a deepening health crisis.
During her visit, Albanese encountered heart-wrenching accounts of suffering, including children enduring malnutrition and chronic diseases due to the humanitarian catastrophe induced by Israel’s actions. She shared the poignant story of Hamid, an 8-year-old boy whose health deteriorated drastically under siege conditions.
Moreover, Albanese shed light on the psychological trauma endured by survivors, including ‘survivor’s guilt’ and severe mental anguish among those who managed to leave Gaza.
Albanese sharply criticized Israel for obstructing essential aid and goods, vital for survival, from reaching Gaza. She emphasized that humanitarian measures like airdrops and maritime corridors fall short of addressing the scale of the crisis.
The Special Rapporteur called for urgent international action, urging a comprehensive ceasefire, an end to Israel’s illegal occupation, and robust humanitarian intervention under the UN’s auspices. She stressed the need for a unified global response, including sanctions against Israel, to compel compliance with international obligations.
Albanese’s harrowing testimonies underscored the urgent need for heightened international attention to the plight of Palestinians in both Gaza and the West Bank. She warned of the looming threat of ethnic cleansing and called on states to take decisive measures to prevent such a catastrophic outcome.
In conclusion, Albanese urged UN member states to act swiftly and decisively to halt the violence, secure accountability, and prevent further humanitarian catastrophe in the occupied territories. Her impassioned plea highlights the imperative for immediate action to alleviate the suffering of Palestinians and ensure their fundamental rights and dignity.
