United Nations Official Faces Calls for Resignation Over Anti-Semitism Allegations

Francesca Albanese, the special rapporteur on the Palestinian territories for the United Nations, is facing widespread condemnation for her alleged anti-Semitic remarks and support for Hamas. Israel and other organizations are calling for her immediate removal.

The walls are closing in on Francesca Albanese, the United Nations special rapporteur on the Palestinian territories, as allegations of anti-Semitism and support for Hamas cast a shadow over her position.

Israel's outgoing ambassador to the U.N., Gilad Erdan, has labeled Albanese as "the very definition of a terror sympathizing antisemite" and accused her of exploiting her role to undermine the State of Israel. Erdan expressed dismay over the inaction of U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, whom he accused of harboring anti-Israel sentiments.

United Nations Official Faces Calls for Resignation Over Anti-Semitism Allegations

U.N. Watch Executive Director Hillel Neuer has joined the chorus of critics, calling for Albanese's immediate dismissal. He accused her of abusing her U.N. mandate to spread Hamas propaganda and engaging in "overtly political and cynical lobbying activities."

Albanese's remarks on social media regarding Israel's June hostage rescue mission from Hamas terrorists in Gaza have drawn particular ire. She characterized the operation as "humanitarian camouflage" and accused Israel of intending genocide against the Palestinians.

United Nations Official Faces Calls for Resignation Over Anti-Semitism Allegations

Alex Gandler, deputy spokesperson for Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, denounced Albanese's support for Hamas and civilian kidnappers as "grotesque."

In November, Albanese made further controversial statements by denying Israel's right to self-defense against Hamas.

United Nations Official Faces Calls for Resignation Over Anti-Semitism Allegations

The U.S. State Department has distanced itself from Albanese's remarks, expressing opposition to the creation of her position and noting her history of inflammatory statements.

Meanwhile, a spokesman for Guterres has directed press inquiries about Albanese to the U.N.'s Human Rights Council (HRC), claiming that the secretary-general has no authority over special rapporteurs.

United Nations Official Faces Calls for Resignation Over Anti-Semitism Allegations

However, veteran watchdog organizations such as U.N. Watch have long criticized the United Nations for failing to address the problem of antisemitism within its ranks.

Pascal Sim, a spokesman for the HRC, emphasized the independence of special rapporteurs and referred to Albanese's mandate to monitor human rights in the Palestinian territories.

United Nations Official Faces Calls for Resignation Over Anti-Semitism Allegations

Despite multiple attempts to contact Albanese through U.N. spokespeople and her university email address, she has yet to respond to requests for comment.