UN Expert Urges Multinationals to Sever Ties with Israel Over Allegations of War Crimes

Francesca Albanese's report raises serious concerns about the complicity of major companies in alleged war crimes against Palestinians, emphasizing the need for ethical accountability in business practices.

In a significant and controversial move, Francesca Albanese, a UN expert on human rights, has called on numerous multinational corporations to cease their business dealings with Israel. During her presentation to the UN Human Rights Council, Albanese warned that these companies could be seen as complicit in alleged war crimes occurring in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. She characterized the ongoing conflict as an "economy of genocide," where the lack of accountability turns the war against Hamas into a testing ground for new military technologies and weapons.

Israel has categorically dismissed Albanese's assertions as "groundless," suggesting that her report will merely fade into obscurity. Albanese, an international lawyer from Italy known for her outspoken positions, reiterated her previous claims, labeling Israel's actions in Gaza as possibly one of the most brutal genocides in modern history.

In her report, the expert identified companies that she believes profit from, and thus contribute to, these war crimes. Notable mentions include arms manufacturers such as Lockheed Martin, alongside tech giants like Alphabet, IBM, Microsoft, and Amazon, which she claims provide crucial technology that enables Israel to monitor and target Palestinian populations. She also criticized companies like Caterpillar, Hyundai, and Volvo for supplying vehicles used in destruction efforts against Palestinian homes. In addition, financial institutions, including BNP Paribas and Barclays, were pointed out for their roles in underwriting Israeli treasury bonds, thus directly supporting military actions.

Responses from the companies mentioned varied; Lockheed Martin claimed that foreign military sales are government-to-government transactions, while Volvo asserted that it disagrees with Albanese's conclusions and emphasized its commitment to human rights. Nonetheless, the report contends that such corporate dealings are lucrative, enabling Israel's military operations.

While UN reports hold no legal authority, they can influence global public opinion. Albanese's strategy appears to draw parallels with the worldwide disinvestment movement that helped dismantle apartheid in South Africa. By naming high-profile corporations, Albanese aims to inform consumers about their spending choices, much like the ethical consumer movements against South African businesses decades ago.

Albanese’s accusations of complicity in genocide may resonate deeply with corporations, particularly given the strict legal definitions surrounding genocide, which necessitate formal proceedings in a court of law. The International Court of Justice is currently deliberating a case regarding Israel, initiated by South Africa, that questions the legitimacy of these allegations.

Israel, which has consistently accused Albanese of bias and antisemitism, has vehemently denied any claims of genocide, emphasizing its right to defend itself against Hamas. In response to Albanese's report, various nations, particularly from Africa, Asia, and the Arab world, have expressed support for her call for economic disinvestment from Israel, even as European countries—often more aligned with Israel—condemned the blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The United States, Israel's principal ally, has distanced itself from the UN Human Rights Council and criticized Albanese's report as a politically motivated attack on the global economy. However, as corporate interests begin to reflect on the growing international criticism, the potential for reevaluation of ties with Israel grows.