UN Rapporteur Criticizes EU for Complicity in Palestinian Crisis

The United Nations special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, Francesca Albanese, has delivered a stinging critique of the European Union and its member states, alleging that their policies are exacerbating the crisis in Palestine. Speaking at a press conference in the European Parliament in Brussels on March 5, 2024, Albanese emphasized that European governments are failing to meet their international obligations regarding the situation in Gaza and the broader Palestinian territories.

Albanese’s remarks pinpointed the ongoing trade ties between the EU and Israel, which she claims include significant arms transfers and Israel’s involvement in the EU’s Horizon Europe research programme. She stated, “The issue is not EU inaction but that the EU, through its member states and policies, is contributing to the destruction of Palestine.” Her comments come amid growing concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, which she described as “very grave.”

Call for Action and Accountability

During the conference, Albanese criticized the reluctance of certain EU member states, particularly Germany and Italy, to support the suspension of the EU-Israel trade agreement. According to her, this inaction is indicative of the bloc’s complicity in the ongoing violence against Palestinians. “Due to the objections of these countries, the suspension of the trade agreement has still not gone forward,” she remarked.

Highlighting the severity of the situation, Albanese claimed there is an “ethnic cleansing in the West Bank that is almost unprecedented in the last 80 years.” She expressed alarm at what she described as a “new genocide,” warning that many violent Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank are European citizens. “How can we talk about two states when the population is disappearing?” she asked, referring to the diminishing prospects for a viable Palestinian state.

Albanese also addressed the political landscape, asserting that discussions about a two-state solution are futile unless the conditions facing Palestinians are directly addressed. She stated, “There is no point in engaging in political debate about two states unless the situation facing Palestinians is addressed.”

International Law and Accountability

The rapporteur further criticized Donald Trump‘s 20-point plan for Gaza, arguing that it does not align with international law. She referenced a ruling by the International Court of Justice which declared Israel’s occupation of Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, as unlawful. Albanese advocated for compensation for the violence endured by Palestinians and insisted that displaced people should be allowed to return to their homes.

When questioned about the issue of disarming Hamas, Albanese emphasized the right to self-determination for Palestinians. “Just as Israelis can elect a criminal, Palestinians can also vote for someone the international community does not like,” she said, underscoring the importance of Palestinian autonomy in choosing their leaders.

In closing, Albanese reiterated her call for the immediate suspension of the EU-Israel military cooperation agreement, arguing that continued collaboration undermines the EU’s core values while contributing to the ongoing crisis in Palestine.

As the international community continues to grapple with the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Albanese’s remarks serve as a stark reminder of the pressing humanitarian concerns and the need for accountability among global powers.