US condemns UN rights expert Francesca Albanese for criticising Israel

The United States has openly criticised UN special rapporteur Francesca Albanese, accusing her of promoting “antisemitic hatred” and “bias against Israel” for her work on Palestinian rights under Israeli occupation.

In a statement, the US Mission to the UN condemned Albanese’s role, saying it “continues to strongly denounce” her mandate. Washington expressed outrage over the Human Rights Council’s backing of her work, using it to justify its withdrawal from the council under President Donald Trump.

Albanese, who has frequently criticised Israeli abuses in the occupied Palestinian territories, has faced repeated backlash from pro-Israel states for highlighting systemic violations.

Critics say the US is attempting to silence scrutiny of Israeli policies by smearing UN officials. The accusations come amid Israel’s ongoing assault on Gaza and heightened repression in the West Bank, where rights groups warn of "deepening apartheid".