DaysofPal- The United Nations Special Rapporteur on human rights in the Palestinian territories, Francesca Albanese, has called on states to suspend their ties with the Israeli occupation until it complies with international law, stressing that the occupation of Palestinian land is unlawful and must end fully and unconditionally.
In a post on X, Albanese said that cutting diplomatic and political relations should be viewed as an initial step toward achieving peace.
She emphasized that Israel has no legal right to block humanitarian workers from entering Gaza or other occupied Palestinian territories.
“The occupation is illegal and must come to a complete and unconditional end, as affirmed by the International Court of Justice in 2024,” Albanese wrote, urging states to suspend relations until Israel meets its international legal obligations.
Albanese also criticized the Israeli decision not to renew the visa of Olga Cherevko, spokesperson for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Gaza, a move that has effectively barred her from entering the besieged territory.
She described the decision as part of a broader pattern of restrictions imposed on UN staff and international humanitarian workers, particularly those who speak openly about conditions on the ground.
“The role of humanitarian workers is to bear witness when international law is violated,” Albanese said, highlighting their responsibility to report abuses and violations.
Her remarks come as nine European countries, along with Canada and Japan, have called on the Israeli occupation to open border crossings and ease restrictions on humanitarian aid entering the Gaza Strip.
In a joint statement, the countries urged the Israeli occupation to fully uphold its obligations under international law and ensure the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance across Gaza and the West Bank.
The statement also referenced Israeli approval of a 20-point plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, which calls for the entry and distribution of aid under United Nations and Red Crescent supervision, without interference.
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