KUWAIT CITY: The United Nations has called for an immediate halt to both direct and indirect arms transfers to Israel, urging a reevaluation of its credentials within the organization as a measure to address issues of impunity. The call comes amid ongoing concerns over human rights violations in Gaza.

According to Kuwait News Agency, Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories, emphasized the UN’s critical role in Palestine. She noted that the organization’s politicization has undermined its capacity to effectively address violations by the Israeli occupation. Albanese highlighted the UN’s failure to enforce international law, which she argues has led to the normalization of the occupation and acceptance of systematic violations such as settlement expansion and forced displacement, both considered war crimes.

Albanese stressed the importance of rethinking the UN’s role and its agencies’ efforts, pointing out that some bodies have foc
used on key issues related to the occupation rather than addressing the occupation itself. She reiterated that Israel, as the occupying power, holds full legal responsibility for the alleged genocide against Palestinians and is accountable for prosecuting those responsible for these crimes.

Additionally, Albanese called for independent international investigations into prominent Israeli figures, including National Security Minister Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Smotrich, for their roles in policies of displacement and settlement expansion.

During the press conference, Ben Saul, the UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights, reported that over 90 percent of weapons imported by Israel come primarily from the United States and Germany. He stated that this violates the rulings of the International Court of Justice and that non-compliance by states contributes to ongoing violations in Gaza and a perpetuation of impunity.