**US Imposes Sanctions on UN Rapporteur Francesca Albanese Amid Gaza Criticism**

The sanctions could hinder Albanese's ability to travel and access finances within the US, raising questions about accountability in Gaza.

In a significant move, the Trump administration has announced sanctions against Francesca Albanese, the UN Human Rights Council special rapporteur known for her vocal criticism of Israel’s military offensive in Gaza. Secretary of State Marco Rubio justified the sanctions by claiming her engagement with the International Criminal Court (ICC) poses a threat, especially as the ICC has pursued legal actions against Israeli officials accused of war crimes during the ongoing conflict.

These sanctions, which aim to inhibit Albanese from traveling to the US and accessing her financial assets within the country, mark a heightening of tensions as the administration ramps up its opposition to the ICC. This follows sanctions imposed on four ICC judges by the US after the court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister Yoav Gallant on similar accusations.

Rubio also leveled serious allegations against Albanese, accusing her of promoting antisemitism and inciting violence. The sanctions are likely to incite significant backlash from advocates for accountability concerning the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Albanese has been a persistent voice calling for the protection of Palestinian rights, claiming Western governments fail to act decisively against Israeli actions in the occupied territories.

In the wake of the sanctions, she had previously urged numerous multinational corporations to cease their business operations with Israel, arguing these companies are complicit in war crimes. In response, Israeli government officials have dismissed her assertions as unfounded, predicting they would fade into obscurity over time.

Notably, Albania’s critiques extend beyond just condemnation of actions in Gaza; she has also expressed strong opposition to potential Israeli territorial expansions. In a February statement, she described Trump's proposal to take over Gaza as “unlawful, immoral, and completely irresponsible,” which could further destabilize the region.

The sanctions announcement timing coincides with Netanyahu's visit to Washington, which included a ceremonial honour at the Pentagon, spotlighting geopolitical dynamics while drawing attention to the humanitarian conditions in Gaza where a staggering death toll has been reported. As the situation remains dire with massive casualties and displacements, the divide continues to widen between those advocating for Palestinian rights and defenders of the Israeli state, complicating an already fraught international discourse. Albanese has previously said the accusations against her are not personal but rather reflect ongoing geopolitical tensions where criticism of policies is often dismissed as antisemitic sentiment. Her office has yet to respond to recent developments.