Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories, addressed a large interfaith audience in Cape Town, urging action against the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. She emphasized the need for united struggles and enforcement of international law to prevent genocide. The event highlighted South Africa's role in global solidarity efforts.
On Sunday, 26 October 2025, United Nations Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese spoke at the Groote Kerk in Cape Town to over 3,500 attendees, unpacking the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and calling for societal action against genocide. Hosted by the Nelson Mandela Foundation, the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, and the Groote Kerk, with support from organizations like Gift of the Givers and South African Jews for a Free Palestine, the event drew an interfaith crowd beneath signs reading 'Stop the genocide,' many wearing keffiyeh scarves and Palestinian flags.
Albanese described the situation in Palestine as an existential threat with global implications. 'The Palestinians are facing an existential threat, [but also] what’s happening in Palestine will not stay in Palestine,' she said, warning that weapons used there could target others worldwide. She stressed that intervening is a commitment to 'united struggles,' drawing parallels to international support that helped end South Africa's apartheid. 'Right now, we need to help [the Palestinians], as others have helped the South African people [and] freedom fighters to bring down the apartheid regime,' she added.
The conflict escalated after Hamas's 7 October 2023 assault on Israel, which killed 1,200 people and took 251 hostage, prompting Israeli attacks that have reportedly killed over 67,000 Palestinians by October 2025. A recent US-brokered ceasefire released hostages and Palestinian prisoners, but aid delivery remains hindered by delays and insecurity.
Albanese praised South Africa's December 2023 ICJ case against Israel for alleging genocide, noting its 'enormous' impact. 'Had member states followed what South Africa initiated, the genocide could have stopped,' she said. She highlighted her June 2025 Human Rights Council report on corporate involvement in the occupation since 1967, amid US sanctions against her, which the UN urged to reverse.
Speakers like Reverend Rene August expressed regret over a court papers blunder involving Albanese, apologized for by Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi. Mitchel Joffe Hunter of South African Jews for a Free Palestine called for protests across society. Albanese endorsed the BDS movement, urging boycotts, divestment, and sanctions until Israel complies with international law, including ending the occupation and allowing refugee returns. She also spotlighted the Hague Group, co-chaired by South Africa and Colombia, as a hopeful step in multilateralism.