Washington: The United Nations Human Rights Office on Friday expressed approval of a US federal court's interim order that temporarily halts sanctions imposed by the United States on Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territory.

According to Anadolu Agency, the UN Human Rights Office conveyed their welcome of the court's decision on social media platform X, stating, "We welcome US federal court's interim order suspending sanctions imposed by US Government on Special Rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territory @FranceskAlbs." The sanctions had previously been criticized by the office for targeting officials, including those from the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Furthermore, the UN office condemned the sanctions directed at ICC judges and prosecutors, asserting that these measures are "unacceptable" and should be rescinded. The office emphasized that actions against ICC officials for fulfilling their duties are unjustified and reiterated the necessity for respecting and protecting the work of UN mandate holders and international justice officials.

The sanctions against Albanese were originally imposed by the United States last year, as she was accused of attempting to prompt ICC action against US and Israeli officials. Albanese has gained international attention for her critiques of Israeli policies in the Gaza Strip and for a report that highlighted companies allegedly involved in activities within the occupied Palestinian territories.