UN rapporteur urges protection force for Gaza and West Bank

UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese has urged the deployment of an international protection presence in Gaza, the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, saying the worsening situation in the Palestinian territories requires immediate international action.

ICJ ruling puts pressure on states

Writing on X on Sunday, Albanese said countries outside the genocide have legal responsibilities under the International Court of Justice’s July 2024 advisory opinion. The court found Israel’s continued occupation of Palestinian territory unlawful and determined that states should not provide assistance that helps maintain the situation.

Albanese said governments should act on the court’s findings rather than leave the ruling without practical consequences. “Third states have an obligation, per the ICJ, to act to end Israel’s unlawful occupation,” she wrote.

UN faces continued Security Council deadlock

The UN official also questioned whether Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ diplomatic efforts could produce a breakthrough over Gaza and the West Bank. She highlighted the General Assembly’s “Uniting for Peace” procedure as another potential route for international action.

Under the mechanism, the General Assembly can take up international peace and security matters when the Security Council is unable to reach agreement because its permanent members are divided. The council has repeatedly struggled to adopt measures on Gaza and the West Bank, with US vetoes contributing to the impasse.

International pressure remains focused on Gaza

Albanese’s appeal adds to international calls for stronger measures concerning the Palestinian territories. The dispute over Gaza, the West Bank and Israel’s occupation remains a major issue at the United Nations, while disagreements among Security Council members continue to limit collective action.