A recent report from the United Nations’ special rapporteur on Palestine, Francesca Albanese, asserts that 63 countries, including major Western powers, have been complicit in the two year conflict in the Gaza Strip. The document states that Israel's actions were facilitated by these "third states," which provided military, diplomatic, and economic support. The report frames the conflict as an "internationally enabled crime," arguing that powerful nations have allowed violent practices to become a daily reality for Palestinians by perpetuating colonial and racial-capitalist practices.
Diplomatic and Institutional Support
The report highlights that diplomatic backing has been a key enabler. It notes that influential states, particularly the United States, have shielded Israel from accountability by adopting its narratives and using veto power in the UN Security Council to block resolutions against it. Furthermore, the report criticizes the suspension of funding to the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) by several nations, including the US, UK, and Germany, following allegations against a small number of its staff. While some of these countries, like Germany and Sweden, later reinstated their funding after independent reviews, the initial cuts critically hampered humanitarian efforts . This move, the report argues, created an illusion of concern while the situation on the ground deteriorated.
Military and Economic Partnerships
On the military front, the report details that arms transfers to Israel continued even as evidence of severe humanitarian distress mounted. It names the United States, Germany, and Italy as major suppliers, with the US guaranteeing billions in annual foreign military financing. Economically, no Western nation has suspended trade ties with Israel; in fact, trade with countries like Germany, Poland, and Greece saw significant increases. The report contrasts this with international actions taken against other states, such as South Africa and Russia, and calls for similar embargoes.
Accountability
In its conclusion, the report urges the international community to take decisive measures. It recommends the immediate suspension of all military, trade, and diplomatic relations with Israel. It also calls on states to support a permanent ceasefire, ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid, and cooperate fully with international courts. Specifically, the report suggests acting under the UN General Assembly's "Uniting for Peace" procedure, Resolution 377(V), which allows the Assembly to make recommendations for collective action when the Security Council is deadlocked, to help aid get into the Gaza Strip.