UN experts on Israel-Palestine resign after US imposes sanctions on colleague

Three independent UN experts assigned to investigate human rights in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories have stepped down, citing personal reasons and the need for “renewal.”

The UN Human Rights Council, which established the Commission of Enquiry, confirmed the resignations on Monday. The letters were submitted last week but only became public this week.

Their departure follows mounting political pressure. Last week, the United States imposed sanctions on Francesca Albanese, another UN-appointed expert focused on Israel and Palestine.

Israel has consistently refused to cooperate with the commission, rejecting its legitimacy, denying entry to investigators, and accusing the panel of bias. Despite repeated requests, the government has blocked all access to Israeli and occupied Palestinian territory.