UN Rapporteur Urges International Protection Force for Gaza and West Bank

By Staff, Agencies

UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese on Sunday called for the deployment of an international protection presence in the occupied West Bank, East Al-Quds ["Jerusalem"] and Gaza, describing such a measure as “absolutely urgent.”

Albanese said third countries have an obligation under international law to take steps to end “Israel’s” unlawful occupation. She was referring to a July 2024 advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice, which found “Israel’s” occupation of Palestinian territory unlawful and said states must not assist in maintaining the situation.

The UN rapporteur also questioned whether diplomatic efforts by Secretary General Antonio Guterres, along with the General Assembly’s “Uniting for Peace” mechanism, could overcome the Security Council’s continuing deadlock over the conflict.

The “Uniting for Peace” mechanism allows the General Assembly to address matters involving international peace and security when the Security Council is unable to act because its permanent members cannot reach agreement.

The Security Council has repeatedly failed to take action on Gaza and the West Bank amid vetoes by the United States.