UN Rapporteur Responds to Israel's Visa Threat: Baseless Attacks Only Prove Moral Cowardice

Albanese quoted a post from Israel's Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, where he announced the denial of visa renewal for one UN Women staff member in Israel and the rejection of another staff member's visa application.

In response to Cohen's threat, the UN Rapporteur stated, "Baseless attacks against the UN only prove moral cowardice. The authority of the UN has weakened over the years due to its failure to hold Israel accountable for violations of international law, including the colonization of Palestinian territories and forced displacement of Palestinians. If the UN wants to restore its reputation and mission, it must demand accountability from Israel."

Albanese emphasized that "no one can be free unless everyone is free" and outlined the necessary steps for this to happen, including declaring a ceasefire in Gaza, releasing Israeli prisoners and arbitrarily detained Palestinians, providing full protection to civilians, implementing reconstruction in the region, allowing Palestinians to return to their homes, ending Israel's occupation, and ensuring justice.

COHEN THREATENS TO DENY VISAS TO UN STAFF

Cohen had announced on X that he had instructed the denial of visa renewal for one UN Women staff member in Israel and the rejection of another staff member's visa application.

Accusing the UN of having a "stain on the face of the international community" since October 7, Cohen claimed that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the Human Rights Commissioner, and other UN Women staff members were working in favor of Hamas.

Cohen accused Guterres of legitimizing war crimes and inhumane acts, the Human Rights Commissioner of publishing undocumented bloody conspiracies, and UN Women of ignoring alleged rape cases against Israeli women in the country.

Stating that they would stop working with those cooperating with Hamas propaganda, Cohen accused the UN of hypocrisy.

While international organization employees who want to enter Palestinian territories must first obtain a visa from Israel, if Israel does not change its decision, UN officials will not be able to enter Palestine.