A United Nations expert has called on states worldwide to impose an arms embargo and sever trade and financial ties with Israel, accusing it of conducting a “genocidal campaign” in Gaza. Francesca Albanese, the U.N. Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories, described the current situation as “apocalyptic” during her speech at the U.N. Human Rights Council.
Allegations of genocide spark reaction
Palestinians gather to receive aid supplies in Beit Lahia, in the northern Gaza Strip, June 16, 2025. REUTERS/Dawoud Abu Alkas TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
Albanese’s statement, declaring Israel responsible for “one of the cruellest genocides in modern history,” was met with applause by members of the Geneva council. Israel has strongly denied these accusations, emphasizing its right to self-defense following the deadly Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. Notably, Israel’s delegate was absent from the council session, following a policy to disengage from what it describes as an anti-Semitic biased forum.
SENSITIVE MATERIAL. THIS IMAGE MAY OFFEND OR DISTURB Palestinians react next to people wounded in an Israeli strike while waiting for aid, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, at Nasser hospital, in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, June 17, 2025. REUTERS/Hatem Khaled TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
Report names companies supporting Israeli actions
The UN expert presented a report listing over 60 companies alleged to be involved in supporting Israeli settlements and military operations in Gaza. Albanese stressed that this was not merely a list but a systemic issue that requires urgent action. She urged states to impose a full arms embargo, suspend trade agreements, and hold companies legally accountable for violating international law.
Israeli mission responds critically
Mourners carry the body of a Palestinian, who, according to Gaza’s health ministry, was killed in an overnight Israeli strike on a tent, near Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, July 2, 2025. REUTERS/Hatem Khaled
Earlier this week, Israel’s diplomatic mission in Geneva condemned Albanese’s report as “legally groundless, defamatory and a flagrant abuse of her office.” This call from the UN expert comes amid recent efforts by the United States to broker a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, aiming to bring an end to the ongoing violence in Gaza.
