European governments demand accountability after incendiary rhetoric sparks diplomatic storm and antisemitism concerns.
The UN human rights office has voiced concern over what it calls escalating attacks against independent UN experts, following mounting criticism of Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur on the Palestinian territories.
Several European governments have called for Albanese’s removal after remarks in which she referred to Israel as the “common enemy of humanity.” At a conference hosted by Al Jazeera, she criticized what she described as global political and financial backing for Israel. Albanese later denied explicitly labeling Israel as such, calling the allegations “completely false.”
Ronald S. Lauder, president of the World Jewish Congress, joined calls for her removal, citing a pattern of inflammatory rhetoric.
UN spokesperson Marta Hurtado defended independent experts, warning that personal attacks and misinformation undermine serious human rights discussions.
Albanese has previously faced criticism over past comments referencing a “Jewish lobby” and for statements following Hamas’s October 7, 2023 massacre in Israel, in which more than 1,200 people were killed and 250 abducted. She has also accused Israel of genocide and made controversial historical comparisons involving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Her term runs through 2028, and while removal is theoretically possible, diplomats say it would face significant procedural hurdles.
