In an exclusive interview with The Intercept, Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories, has called for an investigation into the European Union’s complicity in Israel’s war crimes. She firmly believes that the EU President should be held accountable for their actions and that justice must be served before history has a chance to judge.
Albanese’s stance on the EU’s involvement in Israel’s war crimes is a bold and necessary one. As the UN Special Rapporteur, it is her responsibility to monitor and report on human rights violations in the Palestinian territories. And she is not one to mince her words. “I’m not someone who says, ‘History will judge them’ — they will have to be judged before then,” she stated firmly in the interview.
The call for an investigation comes at a crucial time, as the EU recently announced plans to increase cooperation with Israel in the fields of research, innovation, and education. This move has been met with strong opposition from human rights organizations, who have long criticized the EU for turning a blind eye to Israel’s human rights violations against Palestinians.
Albanese’s call for action is rooted in her extensive research and findings on the ground. She has observed firsthand the dire situation in the Palestinian territories, where the Israeli occupation continues to violate the rights of Palestinians on a daily basis. This includes the illegal expansion of settlements, demolition of homes, and the use of excessive force against peaceful protesters.
The EU’s complicity in these violations cannot be ignored. By increasing cooperation and providing Israel with economic incentives, the EU is essentially condoning and supporting their actions. As the biggest trading partner of Israel, the EU has a responsibility to ensure that their actions align with international law and human rights standards.
Moreover, the EU’s continued support for Israel’s policies only serves to embolden the Israeli government to act with impunity. The lack of consequences for their actions has only led to an escalation of violence and human rights violations against Palestinians.
It is high time for the EU to be held accountable for their actions. Albanese’s call for an investigation is a step in the right direction. The international community must come together to put pressure on the EU to end its complicity in Israel’s war crimes. This includes implementing measures such as sanctions and suspending trade agreements until Israel complies with international law.
As Albanese rightly points out, justice must be served before history has a chance to judge. The EU must be held accountable for their actions and take responsibility for their role in enabling Israel’s human rights violations. Failure to do so would only perpetuate the cycle of violence and injustice.
In the words of Francesca Albanese, “We cannot wait for history to judge. We must take action now.” It is time for the EU to take a stand for justice and put an end to their complicit role in Israel’s war crimes. The world is watching, and the time for action is now.
