Francesca Albanese, the United Nations special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, has released a damning report titled “From economy of occupation to economy of genocide,” highlighting the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Some have gone so far as to call this crisis the worst of the 21st century. The stakes have been raised further by the United States’ prominent role in providing Israel with military equipment. Albanese’s findings have sparked a hellstorm of criticism and praise, landing on both progressive and conservative political leaders and organizations like a hailstorm.
The report further exposes how Israel’s continued, illegal blockade of Gaza has severely limited access to critically-needed aid. More than 100 humanitarian groups have even testified that aid is being deliberately obstructed. The Israel-imposed blockade on Gaza has resulted in mass starvation among the Gaza population. Humanitarian assessment reports indicate that currently 1 in 3 Gazans have not eaten food in days. Tragically, dozens have already died as they starve to death, a horrific representation of the humanitarian catastrophe occurring in the region.
Albanese’s research has not gone unchallenged. The Trump administration’s response was denial and retribution, particularly against Albanese for her clear and public rebuke. Marco Rubio, the current under secretary of state for political affairs, has already sanctioned her, branding her efforts “political and economic warfare.” Her incarceration has sparked international concern for academic freedom and the right to speak out against human rights abuses.
Lockheed Martin, a major US defense contractor, has manufactured fighter jets used by Israel. These jets were used less than a year ago in bombings that decimated 44 families in just one day, killing almost 200,000 Palestinians. This link between American corporations and the brutal violence currently taking place in Gaza has angried activists and scholars, as well.
Albanese’s findings have received faithful support of surprising proportions from highly regarded authorities. At least one member has publicly objected—as a former soldier in the IDF, a prominent historian of genocide, Omer Bartov. Bartov stated,
“I have been teaching classes on genocide for a quarter of a century. I can recognize one when I see one.” – Omer Bartov
One of the leading experts in genocide studies, speaking to these atrocities in Gaza. This recent acknowledgement goes a long way towards adding validity to Albanese’s claims.
Even influential commentator Peter Beinart has thrown his two cents into the crisis, arguing that
“Blood is on our hands as Americans because it is our weapons that are responsible for those children starving to death.” – Peter Beinart
His comments shine a light on a deepening discontent among the American public. They are concerned with their own government’s military operations abroad and the impact these operations have on civilian populations.
Recently, as a result of new pressure from the Biden Administration, Israeli authorities have permitted at least some convoys of foreign aid workers into Gaza. Many will tell you that this is not enough, it’s too late and the tide is looking to make an awful turn for the worse. In solidarity with Palestine, protests are exploding across the globe. Authorities typically respond in brutal repression, creating an even greater challenge in the already-extreme humanitarian crisis.
Beyond the chaos unfolding in Gaza, anyone speaking up for Palestinian rights suffers serious consequences. At this moment, Mahmoud Khalil is waiting for deportation as a direct result of his pro-Palestinian activism. In this way, his case exemplifies the rising dangers experienced by anyone who has the courage to challenge social injustice.
Now, big technology companies are coming in for their own share of hard scrutiny. According to Francesca Albanese, this connection between Palantir and the Israeli military is a partnership that continues to exacerbate the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This ever-increasing intersection of technology and military operations creates serious ethical dilemmas surrounding corporate responsibility in conflict zones.
As the world’s focus shifts to Gaza, the impact of US military support for Israel remains a contentious issue. Though many defend Israel’s actions as legitimate national security measures, others describe them as systemic oppression.