UN Rapporteur Urges Corporations to Sever Ties with Israel Amid Conflict Allegations

In her latest report presented to the UN Human Rights Council, Francesca Albanese emphasized that various firms risk being involved in atrocities due to their connections with Israel amidst ongoing conflicts in Gaza and the West Bank.

A United Nations expert is calling upon multinational corporations to cease their operations with Israel, warning that failure to do so may implicate them in war crimes occurring in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. Francesca Albanese, while addressing the UN Human Rights Council, characterized the ongoing economic ramifications as an "economy of genocide," arguing that the conflict with Hamas serves as an unaccountable testing ground for advanced military technologies and weapons.

The Israeli government has dismissed Albanese's report, labeling it “groundless” and asserting it “will join the dustbin of history.” UN experts, including special rapporteurs, function independently but are appointed to offer advice on human rights issues. Albanese, a seasoned international lawyer from Italy, has earned a reputation for her direct statements, previously suggesting that Israel is engaged in genocidal practices.

In her recent assessment, Albanese identified numerous corporations she believes are profiting from and contributing to war crimes in Gaza. The list includes Lockheed Martin for its arms sales, as well as tech giants like Alphabet, IBM, Microsoft, and Amazon for their technologies used to surveil and target Palestinian populations. Companies such as Caterpillar, Hyundai, and Volvo were also flagged for providing machinery used in home demolitions post-bombing.

Financial corporations like BNP Paribas and Barclays were criticized for underwriting Israeli treasury bonds throughout the ongoing conflict. Although the BBC reached out to the mentioned companies for comments, Lockheed Martin stated that foreign military sales are governed by government agreements. Volvo, on the other hand, expressed disagreement with Albanese's claims, asserting a commitment to human rights.

While these corporations profit from their dealings, the report emphasizes the moral implications, suggesting that all entities listed should immediately terminate their connections with Israel. Notably, UN reports like Albanese's do not carry legal power; however, they may inspire public opinion akin to the international movement against apartheid in South Africa when companies were urged to rethink their financial ties.

Albanese's intention is to inform consumers and shareholders globally, similar to historical sanctions and disinvestment campaigns against South Africa’s apartheid regime. This investigation recognizes that complicity in genocide does not necessitate intent but may arise from actions contributing to genocide's foreseeable outcomes. The legal discourse surrounding genocide is stringent and must be validated through court proceedings. Notably, the International Court of Justice is currently evaluating a case against Israel on related grounds, reported by South Africa.

Israel rejects allegations of genocide, arguing it has the right of self-defense against Hamas. Despite this, Albanese received significant support from various countries during her presentation at the UN, with many states backing her call for corporate disinvestment from Israel and resonating with her claims of ongoing genocide.

European nations, traditionally more supportive of Israel, condemned the denial of humanitarian aid to Gaza and reiterated Israel’s responsibilities under international law as an occupying power. The U.S., Israel's principal ally, has previously distanced itself from the UN Human Rights Council and has criticized Albanese’s findings as a politicized attack against American businesses involved in global trade.

While the U.S. may not adopt a more expansive stance on this report, pressure from various nations could compel the large American corporations named in the document to reevaluate their business engagements with Israel.