UN Report Accuses Corporations of Profiting from Israeli Actions in Gaza

A recent United Nations report alleges that numerous international corporations are profiting from and contributing to Israel's military actions in Gaza and the broader occupation of Palestinian territories. The report accuses these companies of enabling what it describes as a "genocidal campaign."

The report, compiled by Francesca Albanese, the U.N. Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories, is based on over 200 submissions from various sources. The 27-page document identifies over 60 companies, including weapons manufacturers and technology firms, and calls on them to cease operations that support Israeli settlements or military actions. It also demands legal accountability for executives involved in alleged violations of international law.

Albanese stated that the report highlights how Israel's actions are sustained because they are financially beneficial for many. She accused corporations of being "financially bound to Israel's apartheid and militarism." The report categorizes the companies by industry, such as military, construction, and technology, although it does not always specify whether the links relate to settlement activity or the Gaza campaign. Approximately 15 firms responded to Albanese's office, but their responses were not made public.

The report names arms manufacturers like Lockheed Martin and Italy's Leonardo, whose weapons have allegedly been used in Gaza. Heavy equipment suppliers Caterpillar Inc. and HD Hyundai are listed for providing machinery said to have contributed to the destruction of Palestinian property. Major tech firms, including Alphabet, Amazon, Microsoft, and IBM, are also named, with the report claiming they are "central to Israel's surveillance apparatus and the ongoing Gaza destruction." Palantir Technologies was identified as supplying artificial intelligence tools to the Israeli military.

The document expands on a previous U.N. database that tracks firms linked to Israeli settlements, broadening its scope to include Gaza-related activities.

Israel's mission in Geneva has dismissed the report, calling it "legally groundless, defamatory and a flagrant abuse of her office." Israel has denied all genocide allegations, citing its right to self-defence following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. The ensuing conflict has resulted in a significant number of casualties in Gaza.

The report will be presented to the U.N. Human Rights Council. While the Council lacks binding enforcement powers, its findings have sometimes influenced international criminal investigations. Both Israel and the United States withdrew from the Council earlier this year, citing bias against Israel.