The United Nations calls for severe sanctions against global corporations profiting from Israel’s actions. Poland’s Foreign Ministry highlights consumer pressure and public opinion as tools. Companies named include Amazon, Airbnb, BNP Paribas, Booking, Hyundai, and Volvo.
Special UN Report: Corporations Supporting Israel
UN released a report titled “From the Economy of Occupation to the Economy of Genocide” prepared by Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese on the human rights situation in the occupied Palestinian territories since 1967. Albanese examined the “corporate machinery sustaining Israel’s settler‑colonial project of dispossession and replacement of Palestinians in the occupied territories.” She noted that while political leaders and governments shirk their responsibilities, many corporations profit from Israel’s illegal occupation, apartheid, and now genocide. Albanese warned that the involvement described in the 40‑page report is just a “tip of the iceberg” and that ending it requires holding the private sector, including its management, accountable.
UN: Corporations Engaged in Israel
The report’s section on surveillance states that Microsoft, Alphabet, and Amazon provide Israel with access to cloud and AI technologies, enhancing data processing, decision‑making, and surveillance capabilities. Albanese names numerous other corporations, including Airbnb, Allianz, BNP Paribas, Booking.com, BP, Caterpillar Inc., Hyundai, Palantir, Lockheed Martin, Leonardo, and Volvo. The document emphasizes that while all declared they conduct business ethically, they directly or indirectly support Israeli actions against Palestinians. The UN called on all member states to impose sanctions and a full embargo on arms to Israel, suspend all trade agreements, investment relations, and apply sanctions including asset freezes on those involved in actions threatening Palestinians.
Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs Response
The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that its assessment of the situation is unequivocally negative. In response to a letter from the newspaper Rzeczpospolita, it added that any sanctions the European Union might adopt in response to corporate actions would require unanimous approval from all member states. “A possible lever of influence that reflects in the market value of a company is consumer pressure and public opinion,” the ministry noted. Few of the corporations queried responded. Palantir’s corporate spokesperson Ben Mascall said the firm “openly supported Israel and expressed solidarity with it following barbaric attacks,” adding that operations in Israel “align with global support for U.S. allies and liberal democracies.”
Gaza Strip: 29 Fatal Attacks by Israel
Al Jazeera reported that on Wednesday, August 13, 29 Palestinians were killed in Israeli air strikes across the Gaza Strip. At least 10 victims were people attempting to receive humanitarian aid. “Distribution centers remain deadly traps,” the station added, noting that most people have no choice but to “show up there and try to get whatever is available for their families.”
Further Information on Gaza Situation
More details regarding the condition of people in Gaza and the continuous attacks can be found in the article “Gaza Strip. Israel Killed Five Journalists. The Attack Was Planned. ‘Desperate Attempt to Silence’.”
Kaynaklar:
Rzeczpospolita, AlJazeera
