Mon Sep 16 15:54:16 UTC 2024: ## UN Experts Accuse Western States of Enabling “Genocide” in Gaza, Call for Israel’s Pariah Status
**Geneva** – A group of United Nations human rights experts have leveled scathing criticism at Western states for continuing to support Israel despite what they described as an ongoing “genocide” in Gaza. The experts, including Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT), warned that Israel’s actions could lead to its isolation on the international stage.
Albanese, in a press conference in Geneva, reiterated allegations of genocide in Gaza, stating that “most member states remained inactive at best, or actively aiding and assisting Israel’s criminal conduct.” She specifically criticized Western states, as well as some Gulf nations, for their support of Israel, including the provision of arms by the United States and Britain.
Albanese further questioned Israel’s legitimacy as a UN member state, stating: “Should there be a consideration of its membership as part of this organization which Israel seems to have zero respect for?” This follows a string of alleged verbal and military attacks on UN facilities in Gaza by Israeli forces.
In response to these accusations, Israel’s permanent mission to the UN in Geneva labeled Albanese “unfit” for her position, adding that her remarks on the Israel-Hamas conflict have drawn scrutiny, including accusations of using antisemitic tropes.
Joining Albanese in her criticism were three other UN independent experts who accused Western countries of hypocrisy and double standards, highlighting the discrepancy in their responses to the Israel-Gaza conflict compared to their reaction to the war in Ukraine.
The experts emphasized that their views do not reflect those of the UN as a whole, but their statements have reignited debate about the international community’s responsibility in addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the potential consequences of ongoing support for Israel.
First Piper 