Spain Honors UN Rapporteur Albanese

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez awarded the Order of Civil Merit to UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese, recognizing her extensive work in documenting violations of international law in the Gaza Strip. Francesca Albanese has been a vocal critic of Israel's military operations, describing them as genocide, and has faced sanctions from the United States and threats of arrest in Germany. Pedro Sánchez has also sent a letter to the International — European Commission, urging the activation of the EU's Blocking Statute to counter the US sanctions against Francesca Albanese, arguing they compromise the independent workings of international justice institutions. Additionally, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares criticized Israel's detention of Spanish-Palestinian activist Saif Abukeshak, further emphasizing Spain's position on international law and human rights.