Israel bans entry to UN envoy who claimed October was ‘response to oppression’
Francesca Albanese claimed that 'the victims of the October 7 massacre were not murdered because of their Jewishness, but in response to Israeli oppression.'
Israel has banned the United Nation’s special rapporteur on the Palestinian territories from entering the country following her highly controversial remarks about October 7.
Francesca Albanese, who is known for her anti-Israel stance, claimed that “the victims of the October 7 massacre were not murdered because of their Jewishness, but in response to Israeli oppression.”
The French Foreign Ministry rebuked Albanese, saying: “The October 7 massacre is the largest antisemitic massacre of the 21st century. Disputing it is a mistake. Seeming to justify it, by including the name of the United Nations, is a shame. These comments are all the more scandalous since the fight against antisemitism and all forms of racism are at the heart of the founding of the UN.”
On Tuesday, Foreign Minister Israel Katz and Interior Minister Moshe Arbel issued a joint statement, saying: “The era in which Jews remain silent is over,” the ministers said in a joint statement. “If the UN wants to return to being a relevant body, its leaders must publicly repudiate the Special Rapporteur’s antisemitic remarks and fire her immediately. Preventing her from entering Israel might serve as a reminder of the real reason behind Hamas’ slaughter of babies, women and the elderly.”
Albanese has made several controversial and inflammatory remarks since October 7. Two days after Hamas’ unprecedented massacre, the UN rapporteur issued a statement, saying: “Today’s violence must be put in context. Almost six decades of hostile military rule over an entire civilian population (incomprehensibly ignored by too many official statements & media outlets) are in themselves an aggression, and the recipe for more insecurity for all.”
Good to know that the UN's @FranceskAlbs supports Mohammed El-Kurd's unhinged diatribe, in which he states that "The only solution for Zionism is abolishing Zionism, dismantling the Zionist enterprise." pic.twitter.com/s73aEZkVif
— Eitan Fischberger (@EFischberger) January 22, 2024
On December 22, Albanese was asked by JNS asked repeatedly whether Hamas was justified in invading Israel and in killing Israeli security forces. “Why is this so unbelievable?. You seem to be puzzled by this. What is the right to resist?”
Albanese also retweeted a post, saying: “The only solution for Zionism is abolishing Zionism, dismantling the Zionist enterprise.”
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
