UN special rapporteur Francesca Albanese has called for an international protection force to be deployed in Gaza, the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, describing such action as urgently needed. In a post on the US social media platform X, she said third states have a responsibility to act to end what she described as Israel’s illegal occupation, in line with an International Court of Justice ruling.

Albanese referred to the ICJ’s advisory opinion of July 2024, which described Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory as unlawful. The ruling also called on states not to assist in maintaining the occupation. Her appeal focuses on the responsibilities of third states under that opinion.

She also questioned the effectiveness of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’s diplomatic efforts and the General Assembly’s “Uniting for Peace” process in overcoming Security Council deadlock over Gaza and the West Bank. The process allows the General Assembly to consider international peace and security issues when permanent members’ lack of agreement prevents Security Council action. The source says US vetoes have blocked effective Security Council measures on the situation.