Human Rights Council blocks watchdog chief from criticizing UN official accused of antisemitism
Share and Follow

The United Nations Human Rights Council’s (UNHRC) session in Geneva on Wednesday was marked by the interruption and scolding of pro-Israel speakers.

Meanwhile, those speaking against the Jewish state were allowed to lob insults and accusations of “genocide.”

U.N. Watch Executive Director Hillel Neuer was interrupted twice while speaking out against United Nations Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese, whose term is up for renewal. He was interrupted and ultimately blocked from delivering his full remarks.

The Permanent Observer Representative of the State of Palestine to the U.N. Ibrahim Khraishi first interrupted Neuer with a “point of order.” Khraishi started his remarks by saying Neuer was out of order and accused the U.N. watchdog chief of being “affiliated with the Mossad.” This claim went unchallenged by the officials running the session, who complained repeatedly about “disrespectful language.”

UN Human Rights Council

Human Rights Council at the United Nations in Geneva on Feb. 26, 2025. (REUTERS/Denis Balibouse)

On Wednesday, Neuer sent an official letter to Human Rights Council President Jürg Lauber urging him not to reappoint Albanese. In the letter, Neuer accuses Albanese of “routinely” violating the Code of Conduct, characterizing her breaches as “widespread, systematic and grave.”

“Failure to address this issue would gravely undermine the credibility of the UNHRC and signal an unacceptable tolerance for antisemitism within its ranks,” Neuer warned in the letter.

Albanese’s response to French President Emmanuel Macron calling the Oct. 7 attacks “the largest antisemitic massacre of our century” sparked backlash from France, the U.S. and Germany.

In February 2024, Albanese said that those killed on Oct. 7 were murdered “in response to Israel’s oppression,” and not because they were Jewish.

UN Special Rapporteur for the Occupied Palestinian Territories Francesca Albanese

U.N. Special Rapporteur for the Occupied Palestinian Territories Francesca Albanese gives a press conference at the UN City in Copenhagen, Denmark, on Feb. 5, 2025. (Ritzau Scanpix/Ida Marie Odgaard via REUTERS )

The French Mission to the U.N. condemned Albanese’s response in a post on X. According to the ADL’s translation, the post read: “The October 7 massacre is the largest antisemitic massacre of the 21st century. To deny it is wrong. To seem to justify it, by bringing in the name of the United Nations, is a shame.” This was just a few months after the mission condemned her “hate speech and antisemitism.”

The German Mission to the U.N. backed France’s condemnation. The office reposted France’s post and wrote, “To justify the horrific terror attacks of 7/10 & deny their antisemitic nature is appalling. Making such statements in a U.N. capacity is a disgrace and goes against everything the United Nations stand for.”

Michèle Taylor, who was serving as the U.S. ambassador to UNHRC at the time, condemned Albanese’s statements “justifying, dismissing and denying the antisemitic undertones of Hamas’ October 7 attack are in and of themselves antisemitic.”

Fox News Digital reached out to the Palestinian Mission to the U.N. regarding Khraishi’s accusation against Neuer and has yet to get a response.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Fireworks and Shrimp Drops: Where to ring in the new year on the First Coast

Spectacular New Year’s Celebrations: Fireworks and Shrimp Drops on the First Coast

As 2026 approaches, communities across Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia are gearing…
Russian drones, missiles pound Ukraine before Zelensky's meeting with Trump

Intensified Russian Attacks on Ukraine Precede Crucial Zelensky-Trump Summit

In a dramatic escalation of hostilities, Russia launched a barrage of missiles…
Chevy Chase came back from dead after 2021 heart scale and hospitalization

Chevy Chase’s Miraculous Comeback: From Heart Scare to Revival in 2023

Chevy Chase is candidly sharing details about a medical emergency that resulted…
Perry Bamonte, guitarist and keyboardist for The Cure, dies at 65

Legendary The Cure Guitarist Perry Bamonte Passes Away at 65: A Tribute to His Musical Legacy

Perry Archangelo Bamonte, the renowned guitarist and keyboardist known for his long…
More companies charging restocking fees this year than last as many make returns after Christmas 2025 | What to know

Increase in Companies Implementing Restocking Fees Compared to Last Year Amid Post-Christmas 2025 Return Surge | Key Insights

As the twinkling lights of Christmas fade into memory, retailers are bracing…
Ritzy island giving away FREE homes worth millions but there's a catch

Dream Island Offers Free Luxury Homes: Discover the Surprising Catch!

An island in Massachusetts is offering multi-million dollar homes at no cost,…
Zelenskyy says meeting with Trump to happen 'in the near future'

Zelenskyy Announces Upcoming Meeting with Trump Planned for the Near Future

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced plans to meet with U.S. President Donald…
Charlatans like Kimmel, Fuentes have something in common — rage bait

Unmasking the Rage Bait: What Connects Charlatans Kimmel and Fuentes?

What could possibly link late-night host Jimmy Kimmel and controversial streamer Nick…