United Nations rapporteur Francesca Albanese told the United Nations Human Rights Council that the world has given Israel 'a license to torture Palestinians,' alleging that torture has become state policy. Presenting her latest report, she claimed mistreatment extends beyond prisons and reflects collective punishment across the occupied Palestinian territories.

Albanese argued that governments have enabled Israel through political and military support, asserting that documented testimonies amount to evidence of atrocity crimes. Israel’s mission in Geneva rejected her claims, calling her statements politically motivated and accusing her of promoting extremist narratives aimed at undermining the country’s legitimacy.

The rapporteur has faced repeated criticism over past remarks about Israel, including comments condemned by several European Union foreign ministers. She has previously accused Israel of genocide, compared its leadership to Nazi figures, and described the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas as needing to be viewed in context. The United States sanctioned Albanese last year over her statements regarding Israel’s conduct during the war in Gaza.