Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
AAP
AAP
Ben McKay

UN official hopes for improved Aust debate on Mideast

The UN's Francesca Albanese said she encountered "misinformed" questioning while in Australia. (Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS)

The United Nations' Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories says she is confident she lifted the tone of debate on the Israel-Hamas conflict during her tour of Australia.

Francesca Albanese visited Australia this month to deliver the Edward Said Memorial Lecture, making several high-profile media appearances including at the National Press Club and the ABC's Q+A program.

The Italian official said she encountered "misinformed" questioning through her visit which was "not prone to consider the facts at all".

"Very strong and firm on preconceived ideas, and very little openness to consider the broader framework and the pre-October 7 reality," she told AAP.

The human rights lawyer said she sought to offer a more fulsome legal context to the current war, reminding Australians of breaches of international law from Israel, including the annexation of Palestinian land.

Ms Albanese challenges the "self defence" argument used by Israel as validation for its attacks on Gaza, which it began after Islamist group Hamas launched attacks on Israel last month.

"Israel has the right to protect itself, its territory and its citizens but not its annexation plan," she said.

"It does not have the right to wage a war against the people it keeps under belligerent occupation and blockades."

The human rights lawyer was accused of antisemitism, but was unmoved by the criticism, saying it comes with the job.

"These are the usual accusations that are moved to anyone who holds this position, but also anyone who dares uttering a word of criticism against Israel," she said.

"I've never been challenged on the facts of my accounts.

"There's been a weaponisation of antisemitism, which is shocking in recent years.

"That's dangerous for the Palestinians, and it's also dangerous for Jewish communities because it increases their resentment. That is very obvious.

"Frankly, ... we have to let the dogs continue to bark at the airplane a little bit."

Ms Albanese continues to battle some Australian outlets, lashing out at a Sky News article which suggested the pro-Palestinian lobby - rather than the UN - paid for her visit. 

"Some media are so obsessed with smearing critics of Israeli occupation that they relay info from tainted sources without the bare minimum of due diligence," she posted on social media on Tuesday.

Ms Albanese said overall, she was delighted with "phenomenal" media interest, and had been told her trip was "very valuable" in encouraging debate.

"I hope so for the Australians. And also for the Palestinian communities, which are very discriminated against - not something unique to Australia," she said.

Ms Albanese spoke with AAP from New Zealand, where she visited after her Australian tour, pledging to return down under after feeling an instant rapport with Australians.

"I love Australians. I've never had this (affinity) with anyone, I had it with Australians," she said.

"I'm having a bit of withdrawal. But I will come back."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.