UN rapporteur alleges India aided Israel, raises international law concerns

Rome: Human rights activist and UN Special Rapporteur on Palestine, Francesca Albanese, has spoken out regarding the situation in Gaza. She asserted that the actions currently being carried out by Israel in Gaza cannot be justified in any way. Francesca raised questions concerning the world's indifferent attitude toward the attacks being perpetrated by Israel in Palestine. In particular, Francesca expressed strong objection to India's relations with Israel. In an interview with *The Hindu*, Francesca responded to several questions pertaining to the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Albanese, a national of Italy, presented her report titled 'Torture and Genocide' during the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council on March 23 of this year. In this report, she specifically detailed the arrests of Palestinians by Israel—particularly since October 2023—and the torture inflicted upon those taken into custody. Her report cites 18,500 arrests, a figure that includes 1,500 children.

"It is patently evident that Israel is committing atrocities against Palestinians, particularly in Gaza. Israel's new legislation demonstrates how the country is transgressing its boundaries on a daily basis. The world must speak out against all of this. We cannot remain silent in the face of the excesses being committed by Israel." Francesca Albanese

Israel is Acting Terribly Wrong: Francesca

In an interview with *The Hindu*, Francesca Albanese stated that the actions being carried out in Gaza by the Israeli military and government constitute brutality and cannot be justified under any circumstances. Israelis are dropping bombs on Palestinians, arresting them, forcibly abducting them from their homes to make them disappear, and exploiting women and children.

Israel has recently enacted a new law. This legislation specifically addresses the arrest of Palestinians and the imposition of harsh penalties upon them. This law demonstrates how Israel is crossing its boundaries on a daily basis. The world ought to speak out against all of this, yet it has adopted a cowardly silence.

India's Stance is Not Right: Albanese

Albanese further remarked, "In Italy, we have consistently raised questions and compelled our government to speak out on the Palestine issue. I would like to see the people of India also speak out vocally on this matter and hold their government accountable. We cannot remain silent in the face of the atrocities and excesses being committed by Israel."

Albanese expressed dismay regarding the relations between India and Israel—particularly the assistance extended by New Delhi to Tel Aviv during the war in Gaza. She stated that it is distressing to learn and read about these developments. All of this has occurred at a time when the International Court has issued an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, designating him as a criminal.

'India Should Not Act Against the Law'

Francesca Albanese alleged, "By aiding Israel—a war criminal—and Netanyahu, India is violating international law. India could potentially face accountability for this. However, various differing stances on this issue have been observed within India; India's civil society and many other individuals have consistently raised their voices in support of Palestine and Gaza." Commenting on PM Narendra Modi's visit to Israel, Francesca Albanese remarked that the Indian Prime Minister traveled to Israel, and his address to the country's parliament generated considerable discussion. She stated that offering any comment on this matter feels very strange. Furthermore, she asserted that the notion of long-standing historical ties between India and Israel is incorrect, noting that Israel did not even exist 70 years ago. Albanese emphasized that both India and the global community must recognize that Israel is dismantling the entire world order.