UN Official Sparks Controversy, Denies Israel’s Right to Self-Defense against Hamas

In a recent address to the National Press Club of Australis, UN special rapporteur Francesca Albanese stirred global outrage by asserting that Israel lacks the right to self-defense against Hamas. Albanese argued that, under international law, Israel’s right to self-defense is “non-existent” as it is not facing a threat from another state.

According to Albanese, Israel cannot claim self-defense against a threat originating from a territory it occupies. She criticized Israel for its “unrelenting bombardment of Gaza” and other actions, suggesting that the country’s actions went beyond establishing law and order.

The international community quickly reacted to Albanese’s comments, with many expressing disagreement and criticism. Director of Touro Institute of Human Rights and the Holocaust, Anne Bayefsky, condemned Albanese’s remarks, stating that they align with her other “legally indefensible claims” related to the conflict.

Bayefsky highlighted the absence of major UN actors explicitly acknowledging Israel’s right of self-defense since October 7th. She accused Albanese and others of being “champions of hate, of antisemitism, of lethal violence against the Jewish people,” questioning their legitimacy in holding UN titles and having a global platform.

People on social media also joined the conversation, with one commenter noting that Kofi Annan would disapprove, calling Albanese the epitome of everything he disliked about the UN.

The controversy underscores the ongoing sensitivity surrounding discussions on the Israel-Hamas conflict, with diverse perspectives on the interpretation of international law and the rights of involved parties.

Re-reported from the article originally published in The Hindustan Times