Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories, has cautioned European governments against what she describes as a growing alignment of security, trade and policing frameworks with Israel, amid continuing allegations of genocide, occupation and blockade affecting Gaza.

Speaking at a solidarity gathering in Athens, Albanese argued that many European states have maintained or expanded cooperation with Israel despite ongoing legal proceedings at international judicial bodies, including the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court. She said this included continued arms transfers, intelligence cooperation, and the adoption of surveillance technologies that she linked to restrictions on civil liberties and activist movements across Europe.

Her remarks came in the aftermath of the interception of a flotilla carrying humanitarian supplies towards Gaza, an operation carried out in waters near Europe. More than one hundred activists were taken into custody and transferred to Crete, while two organisers were taken to Israel for interrogation. The mission was aimed at challenging the maritime blockade on Gaza and delivering aid to a population facing severe shortages under the ongoing genocidal war.

Albanese criticised the interception itself, questioning the legality of seizing civilian vessels outside territorial waters and expressing concern over cooperation between European authorities and Israel in preventing the flotilla from reaching Gaza. She also singled out Greece’s role in the operation, arguing that participation in obstructing humanitarian passage raised serious legal and ethical questions.

Her intervention reflects growing debate within Europe over its relationship with Israel, particularly regarding arms exports, security partnerships and the policing of pro-Palestine activism during the ongoing genocidal war on Gaza. Critics argue that these ties risk entangling European institutions in violations of international law, while supporters of stronger scrutiny call for a reassessment of political and military cooperation.