Genocidal Siege: Francesca Albanese Exposes the Starvation of Palestinians and the Role of Global Corporations in a Profitable War Economy

In one of the most powerful human rights testimonies during the ongoing war on Gaza, Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the occupied Palestinian territory, spoke with veteran journalist Chris Hedges on The Chris Hedges Report.

She shed light on the catastrophic conditions in Gaza, the international community's complicity, and how global capitalism is fueling Israel’s machinery of genocide.

Albanese went far beyond mere condemnation. She provided shocking details about how multinational corporations are profiting from Palestinian suffering and how the global economic system enables settler-colonialism through complex networks of technology, military aid, and investment protected by Western governments.

“Deliberate Hunger and Human Deconstruction”: Gaza After 7 Months of War

Albanese described the situation in Gaza as "so horrific that words fail to capture it." She cited credible reports confirming a famine in the northern Gaza Strip, reducing people to a pre-human state.

“Hunger is widespread, deep, and violates human dignity. We’re witnessing people being driven back to a state of pre-civilization, deprived of their humanity,” she said.

This isn’t just emotional rhetoric; it’s a legal and on-the-ground analysis. According to Albanese, this is a deliberate use of starvation as a weapon, a core method of Israel’s ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people.

Breaking the Siege: Not Charity, But a Legal Duty

Albanese strongly criticized the international community, particularly European and Arab governments, for their inaction. She stressed that humanitarian aid alone is not enough; what’s needed is decisive intervention, including deploying naval forces to break the blockade.

“This is not charity. Breaking the siege is a legal obligation under international law. States are obliged not to assist or cooperate with a regime committing genocide.”

This is a critical legal assertion that places direct responsibility on governments for enabling Israeli crimes, whether by selling weapons, providing surveillance technology, or remaining silent.

Upcoming Report: 50 Corporate Entities Profiting from Genocide

One of Albanese’s most shocking revelations was that her upcoming report will name around 50 corporate entities, including weapons manufacturers, construction companies, banks, tech firms, universities, and tourism groups that profit directly from the occupation and contribute to its sustainability.

“The Israeli occupation has transformed from a colonial project into a genocide-based economy. And it’s highly profitable for many companies even in countries that claim solidarity with Palestinians.”

She explained that these entities operate within a complex global system that includes pension funds, insurance firms, banks, and weapons contractors, all complicit in a deadly economy.

Tourism and Real Estate: Marketing Settlements as Luxury Destinations

Albanese warned of a more insidious form of normalization: some real estate and tourism companies are marketing illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank as luxury destinations for Western audiences.

“We are witnessing the normalization of occupation. Companies are selling stolen land as if it were just another Airbnb opportunity. This must end.”

This economic and cultural normalization is a parallel weapon to the bombs; it erases Palestinians not just physically, but from the global map.

Western Double Standards: “You Expect Us to Boycott Israel?”

Albanese expressed her shock at how even the so-called progressive nations respond to her calls for boycotting Israel.

“They always say, ‘You expect us to boycott Israel?!’ as if it’s absurd. But in fact, a boycott isn’t optional; it’s a legal obligation.”

This shows the hypocrisy of international law enforcement, where Israel is protected and privileged in ways no other genocidal regime would be.

Israel’s Real Goal: Erasing Palestinians Altogether

According to Albanese, Israel’s objective isn’t just about Gaza; it extends to the West Bank, Jerusalem, and even Palestinian citizens of Israel. The government, with 80% popular support, seeks to “get rid of the Palestinians.”

“They don’t care if Palestinians end up in Sinai or the Congo. The goal is ethnic cleansing, completely depopulating the land of its people.”

She poses a legal and moral question: why can’t Palestinians return to their homes inside what is now Israel? Justice must start with this right of return.

From Colonialism to Genocidal Capitalism: A Broken Global System

Albanese linked the Israeli occupation to broader patterns of colonial capitalism. She explained that Palestinians are now a global test case for drone warfare, surveillance technologies, and military hardware later exported to other oppressive regimes.

“Palestine has become a testing ground for global repression. What’s used on Palestinians today will be used on poor communities in the U.S., Europe, and beyond tomorrow.”

In this sense, Palestine is not a regional issue. It’s a mirror reflecting the moral decay of the global capitalist system.

The Watermelon Revolution: A New Global Awakening

Despite the grim reality, Albanese expressed hope in what she calls the “Watermelon Revolution,” pointing to a global awakening among students, anti-Zionist Jews, labor unions, and human rights defenders.

“There is a new language forming a legal, human rights-based vocabulary. People now see human rights not as slogans, but as tools for accountability.”

The Tools Exist, But the Political Will Is Missing

She emphasized that institutions like the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC) have real power but are blocked by powerful nations.

“We don’t lack mechanisms; we lack political will. The ball is now in the court of UN member states.”

She urged full support for “The Hague Group,” a coalition of Global South states demanding enforcement of international law and an end to impunity for Israel.

Final Word: A Voice That Will Not Be Silenced

Albanese spoke about relentless smear campaigns by pro-Israel groups like AIPAC, accusing her of terrorism and antisemitism.

“They don’t hate me personally. They hate the reflection they see in the mirror I hold up, a reflection of genocide and complicity.”

Despite threats and political pressure, she remains resolute in her mission to expose the truth and advocate for millions of innocent civilians.

Source:

Full interview from The Chris Hedges Report. Published on ScheerPost, featuring Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur, and journalist Chris Hedges

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