UN Expert Urges Global Action as Nations Meet to Condemn Gaza Offensive

UN Expert Urges Global Action as Nations Meet to Condemn Gaza Offensive
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The UN’s special rapporteur for Gaza and the West Bank, Francesca Albanese, has called for countries worldwide to take concrete steps to stop what she described as Israel’s “genocide” in Gaza. Speaking at a conference in Colombia’s capital attended by delegates from 30 nations, Albanese urged states to sever ties with Israel and ensure their private sectors do the same, arguing that Israel’s economy sustains its military actions.

The two-day event, organized by Colombia and South Africa, includes mainly developing nations along with Spain, Ireland, and China. Israel strongly denies genocide accusations, calling them antisemitic and false. Since the war began in 2023, Israel’s military campaign has killed over 58,000 Palestinians and destroyed hospitals and other civilian sites.

Analysts doubt whether these countries can influence Israel’s policies; however, experts say the meeting gives Global South nations a platform to voice their stance. South Africa compares Israel’s occupation to its own apartheid past.

The EU is also considering measures like banning imports from settlements and imposing sanctions. Colombia’s Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs said the conference aims to explore diplomatic and legal avenues to pressure Israel to end its offensive and uphold international law.