Q&A: Francesca Albanese on how torture "is integral to Israel's genocide of the Palestinians."

On 24 March 2026, Francesca Albanese, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, met the media to discuss her latest report, "Torture and Genocide", which she had earlier presented to the Human Rights Council at its 61st session in Geneva. Ms. Albanese briefed journalists on her findings concerning torture, deaths in custody, destruction of Gaza’s health system, and what she described as a broader system of violence against Palestinians. The Q&A focused on Israel’s criticism of her mandate, the international community’s response, access and conditions in Gaza, deaths in custody, and the impact on medical personnel.