US Imposes Sanctions on UN Rights Expert Francesca Albanese Over Israel Criticism

US Sanctions UN Rights Expert Francesca Albanese Over Gaza Remarks and ICC Advocacy.

The United States has imposed sanctions on Francesca Albanese, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories, citing her strong criticism of Washington’s Gaza policies and her calls for international legal action against US and Israeli officials.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the sanctions on Wednesday via social media, accusing Albanese of “illegitimate and shameful efforts” to prompt the International Criminal Court (ICC) to issue arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and certain American officials and corporate executives.

“We will not tolerate these campaigns of political and economic warfare, which threaten our national interests and sovereignty,” Rubio said in an official statement.

Rubio further accused Albanese of engaging in “biased and malicious activities,” alleging she made “threatening” statements in letters to US-based companies, urging the ICC to pursue prosecutions against them over alleged complicity in Gaza-related actions.

Albanese’s Criticism of US Policy
Albanese, a legal scholar and vocal advocate for Palestinian rights, has frequently criticized US and Israeli policies in the occupied territories. She has been particularly critical of former President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal to depopulate Gaza and resettle Palestinians elsewhere — a plan she described earlier this year as “an international crime” and “utter nonsense.”

Speaking at an event in Copenhagen on February 5, Albanese warned that the proposal would only inflame tensions in the region and violate international law.

“It’s unlawful, immoral, and completely irresponsible because it will make the regional crisis even worse,” she said.

A Growing Divide Between the US and the UN
The sanctions mark a sharp escalation in tensions between the United States and the United Nations over the Gaza conflict and broader human rights advocacy. Albanese’s role as Special Rapporteur, while independent, is mandated by the UN Human Rights Council to investigate and report on the human rights situation in Palestinian territories.

Neither the UN Human Rights Council nor Albanese has yet responded publicly to the sanctions announcement.

The move also underscores growing unease in Washington over international legal efforts related to the Israel-Gaza war, particularly any actions that could place US citizens or companies under scrutiny by global courts.