More than 100 prominent artists have signed an open letter in support of Francesca Albanese, the United Nations special rapporteur for occupied Palestinian territory, who faces international calls to step down.
The letter, released by the group Artists for Palestine, expresses "full support" for Albanese, describing her as "a defender of human rights and, therefore, also of the Palestinian people's right to exist".
Among the supporters are actors Mark Ruffalo and Javier Bardem, Nobel Prize-winning author Annie Ernaux, and British musician Annie Lennox.
International Pressure
Despite the show of support, European countries, including France and Germany, continue to call for Albanese's removal over her critical comments on Israel's actions in Gaza.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul have both condemned Albanese's remarks, with Barrot calling on her to step down.
A group of French lawmakers also sent a letter to Barrot, condemning Albanese's comments as "anti-Semitic".
Human Rights Concerns
Albanese has highlighted the failure of states to prevent genocide in Gaza, citing international law, and has been targeted by Western governments for her criticism of Israel.
Frank Barat, an author and film producer, said that Albanese's comments have exposed the hypocrisy of Western governments, which claim to support international law but fail to act.
Marta Hurtado, a spokesperson for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, expressed concern over the backlash against Albanese, saying that UN officials are increasingly subjected to personal attacks and misinformation.
Context and Consequences
Nearly 600 Palestinians have been killed by Israel in Gaza since an October 10 "ceasefire" alone, and at least 72,000 Palestinians have been killed and 171,000 wounded in Israel's war since October 2023.
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with the international community calling for an end to the violence and respect for human rights.
Source: Al Jazeera
