UN expert Francesca Albanese rejects Israeli claim that slain Gaza journalists were terrorists

UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese has rejected Israel's assertion that journalists killed in Gaza were terrorists, stating there is no evidence to support the claim. Her comments, posted on X, came after the Israeli military said its investigation had concluded that individuals "who claimed to be journalists" were in fact terrorists.

Albanese said there was "zero" evidence for the Israeli claim "that journalists partook in military activities." She added that she would soon publish a report on the matter. "As Western media starts its due diligence, Apartheid Israel escalates disinformation. The army has even a 'legitimization cell' fabricating stories to justify genocide. My next report exposes it all," she wrote.

The exchange highlights ongoing tensions over the treatment of journalists in the Gaza conflict. Israel has previously accused media workers of ties to militant groups, while international bodies have raised concerns about press freedom and the safety of reporters in the region.

Albanese, who serves as the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories, has frequently criticized Israeli actions. Her upcoming report is expected to address what she describes as disinformation efforts by the Israeli military.

According to Mehr News, the Israeli military's claim and Albanese's rebuttal are part of a broader dispute over the circumstances surrounding the deaths of journalists in Gaza.