UN’s Francesca Albanese: ‘Israel has no right to plan’ Gaza’s ‘post-genocide’ future
The UN special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territory has responded to growing reports Israel is making plans to rule a post-war Gaza.
“Israel has NO RIGHT to plan Gaza’s future,” Albanese said in a post on X. “The occupation is ILLEGAL.”
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordered Israel to end the occupation and pay reparations, she added. “Instead—Israel plans the post-genocide.”
Israel has NO RIGHT to plan Gaza’s future. The occupation is ILLEGAL. The ICJ ordered Israel to end it, pay reparations. Instead—Israel plans the post-genocide. Unbothered. Unchecked. The world? Silent. Diplomacy has never felt so insignificant and cruel. https://t.co/L2tOqY4W7C
— Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur oPt (@FranceskAlbs) May 16, 2025
UN rights office urges countries to stop ‘wider Israeli offensive’
UN Human Rights Office spokesperson Jeremy Laurence says that “this week’s intensification raises fears of the start of an even wider Israeli offensive” in Gaza.
“We urge all parties, including third states with direct influence, to stop the assault,” he said.
#Gaza: The sharp escalation of attacks & killings this week, including #Israel's strikes on hospitals, are compounding the already desperate humanitarian situation amid signs of even worse to come.
We must stop the clock on this madness.
— UN Human Rights (@UNHumanRights) May 16, 2025
Red Crescent says Gaza has been left to starve
In a post on X, the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) called for border crossings with Gaza to be opened now as the territory starves.
“Gaza is left to starve and ache, with zero aid trucks entering since March 2,” the post said. “Let Aid In. Let Gaza Live.”
⭕Gaza is left to starve and ache, with zero aid trucks entering since March 2#LetAidIn. Let Gaza Live.#OpenTheCrossings now‼️ pic.twitter.com/gp80KrMGyx
— PRCS (@PalestineRCS) May 16, 2025
Effects of starvation are becoming more apparent in Gaza
A spokesperson for Gaza’s Ministry of Health, Khalil al-Degran, says “the effects of starvation are becoming apparent on the bodies” of Palestinians in Gaza.
This includes through widespread anaemia caused by malnutrition, which al-Degran says means people are no longer able to donate blood.
As a result, hospitals are now suffering from “an acute and serious shortage of blood” while, at the same time, treating an influx of patients with critical injuries from Israeli bombardment, al-Degran said.
Ahmed El-Sheikh Eid, seven, who is showing signs of malnutrition, at his family’s makeshift tent in the al-Mawasi area of Khan Younis, southern Gaza, on May 2
