Francesca Albanese, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories, warns that the word “peace” is being cynically used to mask systematic oppression in Gaza — a warning that feels even more urgent amid renewed airstrikes and repeated ceasefire violations.
The Myth of Peace Amid Ceasefire Breaches
Albanese’s message on X cautioned the international community against accepting the illusion of calm in Gaza. “The so-called peace is nothing but deception,” she wrote, “and the world must not look away from Palestinian suffering.”
Her warning follows a series of reports confirming that the current ceasefire, declared on October 10, 2025, has been violated dozens of times. According to The Guardian, Israeli forces have breached the truce at least 47 times, resulting in Palestinian casualties. Meanwhile, Reuters reports that Israel carried out renewed airstrikes on October 19 near the border.
The Gaza Media Office claims Israel has committed over 80 ceasefire violations since the truce began, further eroding the notion of peace.
Echoing Mandela: Freedom Is Incomplete Without Justice
Citing Nelson Mandela’s famous words — “No one is free until we are all free” — Albanese urged global citizens not to turn away from Gaza’s ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Albanese, who authored the UN report “From Economy of Occupation to Economy of Genocide” (June 2025), continues to accuse Israel of maintaining an apartheid-like system. Her outspoken position has drawn both praise and political backlash — including U.S. sanctions imposed in July 2025, which she described as an effort to silence calls for accountability.
Why Language Matters Now
Describing Gaza as “peaceful” while bombs continue to fall is not a neutral diplomatic choice — it’s an act of erasure. Albanese’s message, echoed by multiple human rights advocates, underscores that justice cannot be achieved through euphemisms. As violence flares again, her warning stands as a moral challenge: true peace cannot exist while oppression endures.