UN rights expert says Israel’s war on Gaza breaches international law
Madrid (Quds News Network) – Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur on Palestine, condemned Israel’s actions, stating that the relentless bombardment of Gaza by Israeli forces has violated international law, causing extensive destruction to entire neighborhoods and resulting in the deaths of thousands of innocent Palestinian civilians.
Speaking at a press conference held in the Spanish capital, Madrid, Albanese underscored that Israel has engaged in numerous activities that are not only highly illegal but also in violation of international law. She emphasized the critical importance of respecting international humanitarian law, particularly in safeguarding non-combatants, civilians, prisoners of war, and the sick and wounded.
Albanese elaborated on the necessity of differentiating between combatants and civilians, insisting that military attacks must be proportionate to prevent undue harm to civilians. However, she pointed out that Israel has conducted over 100 days of intense bombing, dropping around 6,000 one-ton bombs weekly during the initial two weeks of the conflict, specifically targeting densely populated areas.
Highlighting the dire situation, she noted, “Most hospitals have been disabled. A significant number of them, major hospitals, have been closed, bombed, or seized by the occupation army. People are now dying not only due to the bombs but also because of the lack of adequate health infrastructure to treat their injuries.”
Albanese drew attention to the alarming number of children undergoing amputations daily, with one or two limbs being amputated. During the first two months of the conflict, limbs were amputated for a thousand children without anesthesia, a situation she described as horrifying.
She concluded unequivocally, stating, “Nothing justifies what Israel is doing.”
It is important to note that UN special rapporteurs are independent experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council and are not considered UN employees.
