UN Rapporteur: The Cost of Rebuilding Gaza Should Be Covered by Israel and Its Supporters

SadaNews - The UN Special Rapporteur on Palestine, Francesca Albanese, stated on Friday that the cost of rebuilding Gaza should be borne by Israel along with the United States, Germany, Italy, and Britain.

Albanese pointed out that understanding what is happening in Palestine can only be achieved by looking at the region's colonial past.

She noted that "the reason many of us woke up after October 7th (2023) is not the insistence of many in power to continue this illusion, but rather what we really need to talk about is the horror that has occurred over the past two years.”

The UN rapporteur explained that "this situation reflects cultural dominance."

She indicated that many of Israel's practices are an extension of the British colonial legacy in Palestine.

She highlighted that the practices of administrative detention and torture are a reflection of methods previously used by Britain against Palestinians.

Albanese addressed the American sanctions imposed on her, stating that they have significantly affected her personal and professional life.

She added, "Under the American legal system, we are treated as criminals. We are prohibited from traveling to the United States, and we cannot even open a bank account.”

Albanese continued, "This is not limited to the United States only, but applies wherever we are in the world.”

She emphasized the need for Israel and its supporters to cover the cost of rebuilding Gaza.

Albanese stated, "Israel must pay the cost of rebuilding Gaza. Additionally, the United States, Germany, and Italy, which are major suppliers of weapons to Israel, should also bear responsibility."

She also noted that Britain's support for Israel through its military bases in the administration of southern Greek Cyprus warrants an investigation.

She added, "A comprehensive investigation into Britain's involvement in this genocide is necessary.”

Albanese pointed to the worsening humanitarian crisis in Palestine, calling on the international community to activate accountability mechanisms without delay.

The genocidal war initiated by Israel on October 7th, 2023, with American support, has lasted for two years, resulting in over 70,000 Palestinian martyrs, more than 171,000 injured, and massive destruction that affected 90% of civilian infrastructure, with initial losses estimated at around 70 billion dollars.