We reiterate the urgent need Israel to uphold its obligations under international humanitarian law and ensure civilians are protected. Israel has an appalling track record of carrying out unlawful attacks in Lebanon and displaying a callous disregard for civilian life, fueled by the impunity Israeli officials feel they enjoy.

Amnesty International

Just hours after the world cautiously welcomed news of a US-Israeli ceasefire with Iran, in Lebanon the nightmare for civilians has become more terrifying. Today has been the deadliest day since the latest round of fighting began on 2 March with an intense barrage of air strikes carried out across south Lebanon, the Beqaa valley and in crowded civilian areas in central Beirut - many without warning. Hospitals have put out calls for blood donations, overwhelmed by the number of injured arriving.

We reiterate the urgent need Israel to uphold its obligations under international humanitarian law and ensure civilians are protected. Israel has an appalling track record of carrying out unlawful attacks in Lebanon and displaying a callous disregard for civilian life, fueled by the impunity Israeli officials feel they enjoy.   

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1485796836240568&set=a.803383324481926 

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"Israel has invented new ways to violate international law, further entrenching its unlawful occupation and apartheid and while totally disregarding its obligations as an occupying power towards Palestinian civilians. Israel instead has deliberately and consistently advanced its aggressive annexation agenda, with total impunity in blatant violation of international law, which categorically prohibits annexation, settling civilians from the occupying power in the occupied territory, displacing or removing protected persons and unlawfully seizing property in the occupied territory:"

Amnesty International

@amnesty

 

Israeli authorities have unleashed a series of unlawful measures such as land registration, that are deliberately designed to dispossess Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and to make the annexation of the territory an irreversible reality. 

 

These decisions clear the path for further takeover of Palestinian land, authorize a record number of new settlements, expand existing ones, and formalize registration of land in the West Bank as Israeli state property effectively enabling Israel’s land grabs. 

 

Israel has invented new ways to violate international law, further entrenching its unlawful occupation and apartheid and while totally disregarding its obligations as an occupying power towards Palestinian civilians. Israel instead has deliberately and consistently advanced its aggressive annexation agenda, with total impunity in blatant violation of international law, which categorically prohibits annexation, settling civilians from the occupying power in the occupied territory, displacing or removing protected persons and unlawfully seizing property in the occupied territory: https://amn.st/6010hsanw

 

 https://x.com/amnesty/status/2027035929890730066

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(Photo by Mosab Shawer /AFP via Getty Images)

26 February 2026

Also available in Español,العربية

Israel/OPT: Global impunity fueling Israel’s unlawful annexation measures in the West Bank

Since December 2025, Israeli authorities have unleashed a series of unlawful measures deliberately designed to dispossess Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and to make the annexation of the territory an irreversible reality, Amnesty International said today.   

These decisions represent an unprecedented escalation – in scale and speed – in Israel’s project to expand illegal settlements. They facilitate the takeover of more Palestinian land, authorize a record number of new settlements, expanding existing ones, and formalize registration of land in the West Bank as Israeli state property. While successive Israeli governments have pursued policies aimed at expanding settlements and entrenching occupation and apartheid, the latest measures underscore how the current Israeli government has turbocharged these efforts, in the shadow of the genocide in Gaza.   

“What we are witnessing is a state, led by a Prime Minister wanted by the International Criminal Court on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity, openly gloating about its defiance of international law... READ MORE   https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2026/02/israel-opt-global-impunity-fueling-israels-unlawful-annexation-measures-in-the-west-bank/

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USA: International Withdrawals Are a Vindictive Effort to Tear Apart a Global System for Cooperation

(Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images)

 

Responding to the Trump administration’s announcement that the United States is withdrawing from 66 international organizations, conventions, and treaties, Erika Guevara Rosas, Amnesty International’s Senior Director of Research, Advocacy, Policy and Campaigns, said: 

“This is a vindictive and reckless assault on the legitimacy and integrity of the United Nations and the rules-based international order that has been the bedrock of global cooperation for the past 80 years. With this latest in a series of damaging attacks, President Trump is shamefully doubling down on his efforts to destroy the multilateral system that the United States helped to build from the ashes of World War Two to guarantee the universal human rights and protection of all people.

“This was a deceptive announcement, given the United States had already disengaged from many of these bodies and chosen to defund key UN agencies. It is yet another troubling example of the Trump administration’s callous disregard for international law and global commitments in crucial areas such as promoting development, addressing the climate crisis, ending violence against children, and achieving gender equality. For example, the UN Population Fund, which the administration has now announced withdrawing from after previously defunding it, is vital in the fight against gender-based violence and advocating for millions of women and girls around the world.

“Further, in publicly withdrawing from organizations it already had disengaged from, the administration used the occasion to broadcast its overt anti-Black racism. With Secretary of State Marco Rubio citing ‘DEI mandates’ as justification for the withdrawals, the administration’s announcement that it was leaving the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, a body of the UN Human Rights Council, from which the United States had already withdrawn, was nothing more than a deliberate act of racism and institutional sabotage.

“These decisions are not just cruel, racist and discriminatory, they will also no doubt prove to be devastatingly short-sighted by undermining the interests of people in the United States and around the world.

“Withdrawing from the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in particular is unprecedented and the United States will be the only country to have done so. Along with its withdrawal from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and other climate-related bodies, this will actively undermine climate action both domestically and globally. It will inhibit efforts to protect the US population from the impacts of the climate crisis and could drive more climate displacement from other countries. Still, other states should seize this as an opportunity to now do the important work of fairly phasing out fossil fuels and funding a just transition, then call on the US to rejoin later.

“Withdrawing from peacebuilding mechanisms and bodies directly contradicts the US government’s stated calls for the UN to prioritize ‘peace and security’ opens in a new tab. This is particularly alarming at a time when President Trump is threatening several countries with military action and on the same day he called for a $1.5 trillion military budget opens in a new tab. The consequences of these withdrawals risk triggering global destabilization, further endangering human rights everywhere, and disproportionately harming the most marginalized communities.

“UN member states and implicated international organizations must act immediately to shore up the multilateral and international legal architecture essential to universal human rights, including by engaging in robust defense of these systems and meaningful reforms to preserve accountability, prevent erosion of standards and protect people all over the world.”

Contact: media@aiusa.org

 https://www.amnestyusa.org/press-releases/usa-international-withdrawals-are-a-vindictive-effort-to-tear-apart-a-global-system-for-cooperation/

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77 years ago today, the UN adopted the Genocide Convention – a treaty to ensure mass atrocities such as the Holocaust never happened again. Tragically, this has not been the reality. Nearly 2 months after the so-called ‘ceasefire’ in Gaza, Palestinians are still enduring Israel’s genocide. Over 350 people have been killed by Israeli forces since October 29, with access to life-saving aid and medical supplies still restricted.

Amnesty UK

@AmnestyUK

 

77 years ago today, the UN adopted the Genocide Convention – a treaty to ensure mass atrocities such as the Holocaust never happened again. 

 

Tragically, this has not been the reality. 

 

Nearly 2 months after the so-called ‘ceasefire’ in Gaza, Palestinians are still enduring Israel’s genocide. 

 

Over 350 people have been killed by Israeli forces since October 29, with access to life-saving aid and medical supplies still restricted. 

 

And the UK is still failing in its obligation to help prevent and punish genocide. 

 

A ‘ceasefire’ does not mean the genocide is over.

 

https://x.com/AmnestyUK/status/1998387423646982154 

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"Palestinian armed groups must release all civilian hostages immediately and unconditionally. Without an immediate and sustained ceasefire by all parties there will be no end in sight to civilian suffering." Amnesty International: END ISRAEL'S GENOCIDE IN GAZA... RELEASE CIVILIAN HOSTAGES... CEASEFIRE NOW!!!!!!

Amnesty International

@amnesty

Today marks two years since the deadly Hamas-led attacks in southern Israel, during which at least 1,200 Israelis and other nationals – mostly civilians- were killed and 251 people were taken hostage, 20 are still alive and held in Gaza. 

 

Today marks two years since Israel began its brutal onslaught against Palestinians in the occupied Gaza Strip. 

 

Over 67,000 Palestinians – mostly civilians – have been killed. 90% of homes have been destroyed or damaged. Most of the population has been forcibly displaced, starved and subjected deliberately to conditions of life calculated to destroy Palestinians in Gaza. 

 

This is genocide. 

 

This horror has been made possible with the support of the US and other allies and the tightening of Israel’s 18-year-long illegal blockade that has inflicted unimaginable suffering. 

 

This must end now. 

 

Humanity cannot bear this any more.  

 

States must stop ignoring their legal obligations and press Israel to end its genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.  

 

Palestinian armed groups must release all civilian hostages immediately and unconditionally.  

 

Without an immediate and sustained ceasefire by all parties there will be no end in sight to civilian suffering.

Amnesty International has released a list of global companies implicated in war crimes against Palestinians, providing Israel with technologies, equipment, or services that enable human rights violations. Despite international warnings, these corporations continue their activities, making them complicit in ongoing war crimes against civilians.

Amnesty International has released a list of global companies implicated in war crimes against Palestinians, providing Israel with technologies, equipment, or services that enable human rights violations. Despite international warnings, these corporations continue their activities, making them complicit in ongoing war crimes against civilians.

Mireille Rebeiz, Ph.D, Chair of Middle East Studies & Associate Professor, Dickinson College: "In November 2024, United Nations Special Committee found Israel’s warfare methods in Gaza consistent with genocide, including the use of starvation as weapon of war. In December 2024, Amnesty International concluded in a damning report that Israel is committing a genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. ..."

 "In November 2024, United Nations Special Committee found Israel’s warfare methods in Gaza consistent with genocide, including the use of starvation as weapon of war. In December 2024, Amnesty International concluded in a damning report that Israel is committing a genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.  

Senators like Bernie Sanders have been critical of Biden and Trump’s blind support to Israel. In fact, Sanders led several efforts to block arms sales to Israel and has been drawing attention to the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza. In contrast, Fetterman, who expressed unwavering support to Israel since Oct. 7, spoke in favor of arm transfer to Israel.

New statistics indicate that 6 in 10 Democratic voters now back the Palestinian cause, which translates into a record of 59% of all Democrats. In other words, less than half are sympathetic toward Israel. An estimated 56% of younger Americans, Democrats, and leaning Democrats support a two-state solution.

The Arab American Institute estimates there are 3.7 million Arab Americans. Pennsylvania is home to more than 182,000 and has one of the fastest growing Arab American community in the United States. This community supports an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and sustainable peace in the region."   Mireille Rebeiz, Ph.D, is Chair of Middle East Studies & Associate Professor, Dickinson College.

https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2025/07/dear-sen-fetterman-it-is-time-for-you-to-resign-opinion.html

USA: Sanctions against UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese are a disgraceful affront to international justice - "This is a shameless and transparent attack on the fundamental principles of international justice."

UN Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Francesca Albanese

In response to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announcing sanctions against the UN Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Francesca Albanese, Amnesty International’s Secretary General Agnès Callamard said:

“This is a shameless and transparent attack on the fundamental principles of international justice. Special Rapporteurs are not appointed to please governments or to be popular but to deliver their mandate. Francesca Albanese’s mandate is to advocate for human rights and international law, essential at a time when the very survival of Palestinians in the occupied Gaza Strip is at stake. These sanctions come just days after she published a new report detailing how companies have profited from Israel’s illegal occupation, its brutal system of apartheid and its ongoing genocide in Gaza.

This is a shameless and transparent attack on the fundamental principles of international justice.

Amnesty International’s Secretary General Agnès Callamard

“Following the recent sanctions against the International Criminal Court, the measures announced today are a continuation of the Trump administration’s assault on international law and its efforts to protect the Israeli government from accountability at all costs. They are the latest in a series of Trump administration policies seeking to intimidate and silence those that dare speak out for Palestinians’ human rights. Instead of attacking the Special Rapporteur and further undermining the rule-based order, the US government should focus on putting an end to its unconditional support to Israel, enabling total impunity for its crimes in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

“States must forcefully reject these disgraceful, vindictive sanctions and exert maximum diplomatic pressure on the US government to reverse them. The United Nations must also fully support her as an independent UN expert appointed by the UN Human Rights Council. Governments around the world and all actors who believe in the rule-based order and international law must do everything in their power to mitigate and block the effect of the sanctions against Francesca Albanese and more generally to protect the work and independence of Special Rapporteurs.”

 https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2025/07/usa-sanctions-against-un-special-rapporteur-francesca-albanese-are-a-disgraceful-affront-to-international-justice/

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Marco Rubio has received over a million $$ in donations from AIPAC, the pro Israel lobby. Don’t let the US silence Francesca Albanese @FranceskAlbs ! She deserves the Nobel prize more than anyone.

Munther Isaac منذر اسحق

@MuntherIsaac

 

While Netanyahu nominates Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize in Washington, children are being massacred in Gaza by Netanyahu’s military using Trump’s weapons. This is a moral scandal of epic proportions. Humanity is in a grave moral decline. Lord, have mercy.

Medea Benjamin

 

@medeabenjamin

The U.S. just sanctioned UN Special Rapporteur @francesca.albanese.unsr.opt for exposing Israel’s war crimes. Marco Rubio wants to silence her but it’s backfiring. Millions are rallying behind Francesca, calling for her to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.

 

Mondoweiss

 

@Mondoweiss

 

The U.S. has imposed sanctions on UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese over her calls for the International Criminal Court to investigate Israeli and U.S. officials for war crimes. Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused her of waging “political and economic warfare” against the U.S. and Israel, calling her efforts “illegitimate and shameful.” Albanese has been a prominent voice condemning Israel’s genocide on Gaza and urging international law to take action.

 

James J. Zogby

 

@jjz1600

“Israel Launches New Ground Incursion in Lebanon, Raising Fears for Truce” 

 

Israel’s definition of ceasefire: you cease & we’ll fire. 

 

James J. Zogby

 

@jjz1600

 

Sec Rubio, your crude effort to sanction UN Human Rights champion Francesca Albanese & the International Criminal Court only serves to establish that the US is an international outlaw. Israel is violating international law & human rights & the US is enabling it. It’s a disgrace

 

Steve Wall

 

@stevethewall

 

Marco Rubio has received over a million $$ in donations from AIPAC, the pro Israel lobby. Don’t let the US silence Francesca Albanese @FranceskAlbs ! She deserves the Nobel prize more than anyone. 

 

@SecRubio

The Intellectualist

 

@highbrow_nobrow

MSNBC highlights past insults from Trump’s current allies: JD Vance called him “America’s Hitler,” Marco Rubio said “Con Artist,” RFK Jr. said “Sociopath,” Tulsi Gabbard called him “Saudi Arabia’s B****,” Elise Stefanik said “Whack Job,” and more.

 

Amnesty International

 

@amnesty

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced sanctions against the UN Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Francesca Albanese. This is a shameless and transparent attack on the fundamental principles of international justice. Special Rapporteurs are not appointed to please governments or to be popular but to deliver their mandate. Read more  http://amn.st/60174vhgl

J.I.F.F.

 

@insurgenthought

Marco Rubio will be remembered as a central figure in the US’s and Israel’s genocide in Gaza.

 

Erika Guevara Rosas

 

@ErikaGuevaraR

 

The US sanctions against UN Special Rapporteur  @FranceskAlbs are a disgraceful affront to international justice. The measures announced today by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio are a continuation of the Trump administration’s assault on international law and its efforts to protect the Israeli government from accountability at all costs. Our  @amnesty statement: https://amnesty.org/en/latest/news

Omar Baddar 

عمر بدّار

@OmarBaddar

Sending love & solidarity to the formidable  @FranceskAlbs who is now being targeted by the Trump regime for daring to demand accountability for Israel's genocide in Gaza.  These ghouls will make her life difficult in the meantime, but history will remember her principled courage.

Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur oPt

 

@FranceskAlbs

·

Jul 9

Since October 7, torture against Palestinian prisoners has become widespread and systematic. Both male and female detainees have been subjected to sexual violence, including rape. The documented gang rape at #SdeTeiman is not an isolated case—it’s part of a pattern. This is not just cruelty: inflicting severe physical or mental harm on members of a group 'as such' is a constitutive element of genocide. How much more evidence do people need to understand what is happening?

Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur oPt

 

@FranceskAlbs

 

Jul 1

My new UN report, From Economy of Occupation to Economy of Genocide, is out today. 

It shows how corporations have fueled and legitimised the destruction of Palestine. 

Genocide, it would seem, is profitable. 

This cannot continue, accountability must follow.

ohchr.org/sites/default/files/documents/hrbodies/hrcouncil/sessions-regular/session59/advance-version/a-hrc-59-23-aev.pdf

  #EconomyofOccupation #EconomyofGenocide

 

https://www.ohchr.org/en/special-procedures/sr-palestine