The Trump administration is imposing sanctions on the UN Human Rights Council special rapporteur Francesca Albanese, an outspoken critic of Israel's military offensive in Gaza. Secretary of State Marco Rubio linked the move to her support for the International Criminal Court (ICC),

The US sanctioned UN Palestinian rights rapporteur Francesca Albanese for urging ICC action against US and Israeli officials over Gaza. Albanese, who calls Israel’s actions “genocide,” has faced strong criticism from Washington and Tel Aviv.

The US has announced sanctions against UN Human Rights Council Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese, following her outspoken criticism of US policy on Gaza, raising questions about the future of US-UN relations.

As Israel and Hamas move closer to a ceasefire agreement, Israel says it wants to maintain troops in a southern corridor of the Gaza Strip — a condition that could derail the talks.

Israel struck an upbeat note about the prospects for a ceasefire and hostage-release deal in Gaza on Wednesday, falling in behind US President Donald Trump and his optimism for an end to 21 months of bitter fighting in the Palestinian territory.

A US special envoy said a Gaza deal was close, and that a 60-day ceasefire and the return of 10 surviving hostages could be announced this week.