The Rest Is Politics: Leading 126. Israel, Gaza, and the United Nations (Francesca Albanese)
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Mar 24, 2025 
Francesca Albanese, a Special Rapporteur on human rights in Palestinian territories, shares her insights on the UN's role and the responsibility of Western media in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. She discusses her Italian heritage's influence on her commitment to justice and the impact of echo chambers on news consumption in the region. Albanese also addresses the psychological toll of documenting human rights violations and the complexities of advocating amidst accusations of anti-Semitism, emphasizing the need for accountability and dialogue.
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Childhood Influences
- Francesca Albanese grew up in Southern Italy, marked by mafia violence and the Holocaust's impact.
- This upbringing shaped her strong sense of justice and intolerance of injustice.
Path to Palestine
- Albanese's interest in Palestine grew after the 2008-2009 Gaza war and observing UNRWA's work.
- She then took a job with UNRWA in Jerusalem in 2009.
Life in Jerusalem
- Albanese describes living in East Jerusalem as psychologically difficult due to witnessing apartheid.
- She felt unwell due to the constant displacement of Palestinians and settler presence.