A United Nations(UN) expert has called on dozens of multinational companies to sever ties with Israel, warning that they risk being complicit in war crimes in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, presented a report to the UN Human Rights Council, describing what she termed “an economy of genocide” where the conflict with Hamas has become a testing ground for new weapons and technology without accountability.
Albanese’s report names several companies allegedly profiting from and contributing to war crimes in Gaza, including arms manufacturer Lockheed Martin, tech firms Alphabet, IBM, Microsoft, and Amazon, as well as Caterpillar, Hyundai, and Volvo, which have supplied vehicles used for demolishing homes and flattening bombed communities. Financial institutions BNP Paribas and Barclays are also listed for underwriting Israeli treasury bonds throughout the conflict.
“Weapons and data systems brutalize and surveil Palestinians,” Albanese stated, emphasizing the need for member states to impose a full arms embargo on Israel, suspend all trade agreements and investment relations, and enforce accountability for corporate entities involved in serious violations of international law.
The companies have responded to the allegations, with Lockheed Martin noting that foreign military sales are government-to-government transactions, best addressed by the US government. Volvo expressed commitment to respecting human rights but stated that due to the long lifespan and frequent change of hands of its products, it has limited control over how they are used.
Albanese’s report has sparked debate, with Israel rejecting the allegations as “groundless, defamatory and a flagrant abuse of office.” Israel maintains its actions in Gaza are aimed at dismantling Hamas, following the militant group’s deadly attack on southern Israel. The US has also criticized Albanese’s report, accusing her of waging an “unacceptable campaign of political and economic warfare against the American and worldwide economy.”
Despite the criticism, Albanese’s call for disinvestment has received support from African, Asian, and Arab states, which have condemned the denial of aid to Gaza and emphasized Israel’s legal responsibility as the occupying power to ensure Palestinians have the means to survive. European states have also expressed concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with reports of widespread destruction, civilian casualties, and a looming humanitarian crisis. The UN expert’s report highlights the need for the international community to take action to address the humanitarian crisis and ensure accountability for human rights abuses.
In her report, Albanese emphasized that “one people enriched, one people erased” aptly describes the stark contrast between the economic gains made by Israeli companies and the devastating impact on the Palestinian population. She urged states to take bold steps, including imposing a full arms embargo on Israel and suspending trade agreements, to address the situation.
The international community’s response to the situation in Gaza will likely continue to shape the conflict’s trajectory, with implications for global governance and human rights. As Albanese noted, “We must reverse the tide,” calling for states to impose a full arms embargo, suspend all trade agreements, and ensure companies face legal consequences for their involvement in violations of international law.