Francesca Albanese Demands International Protection Force for Palestinian Territories

United Nations Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese has called for the urgent deployment of an international protection force in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem. Albanese described the presence as essential to address escalating Israeli violations, including the siege of Qusra and widespread destruction in Gaza despite a ceasefire agreement.

Albanese cited an International Court of Justice advisory opinion to argue that third states are obligated to act to end Israel's unlawful occupation. Her demands follow reports of Israeli soldiers and settlers targeting water sources and restricting Palestinian movement, specifically highlighting footage of settlers assaulting an elderly disabled man in Masafer Yatta.

To address the perceived paralysis of the UN Security Council, where the United States has vetoed multiple resolutions, Albanese urged the UN Secretary-General and the General Assembly to mobilize alternative diplomatic mechanisms. She specifically questioned if the good offices of the Secretary-General or the Uniting for Peace resolution could overcome the current deadlock.

Other officials have weighed in on the regional instability. EU diplomat Kaja Kallas condemned Israel's E1 settlement project, warning it would isolate East Jerusalem. Meanwhile, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich described the approval of more West Bank outposts as a revolution, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated there would be no Palestinian state west of the Jordan River.