UN Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories Francesca Albanese called on states to impose an arms embargo and cut off trade and financial ties with Israel, which she alleged is waging a "genocidal campaign" in Gaza, on Thursday.
In a speech to the UN Human Rights Council presenting her latest report, Albanese accused Israel of being responsible for "one of the cruelest genocides in modern history," describing the situation in Gaza as “apocalyptic.”
Israel has rejected accusations of genocide in Gaza, citing its right to self-defense following the deadly October 7, 2023, Hamas attack.
Companies named in the report
Albanese’s report, published Monday, detailed over 60 companies, including major arms manufacturers and technology firms, and their supposed involvement in supporting Israeli settlements and military actions in Gaza.
"What I expose is not a list, it is a system, and that is to be addressed," she told the council, calling to ensure that the companies face legal consequences for their involvement in violations of international law.
"While life in Gaza is being obliterated and the West Bank is under escalating assault, this report shows why Israel's genocide continues: because it is lucrative for many," Albanese wrote in the 27-page document. She accused corporate entities of being "financially bound to Israel's apartheid and militarism."
Arms firms Lockheed Martin and Leonardo were named in the report, alleging their weaponry has been used in Gaza, as well as heavy machinery suppliers Caterpillar Inc. and HD Hyundai.
Technology giants Alphabet, Amazon, Microsoft, and IBM were named as "central to Israel's surveillance apparatus and the ongoing Gaza destruction."
Palantir Technologies was also mentioned for providing AI tools to the Israeli military, though specifics on their use were not included.
The report expands on a previous UN database of firms linked to Israeli settlements, last updated in June 2023, adding new companies and detailing alleged ties to the ongoing Gaza conflict.
Israel's diplomatic mission in Geneva earlier this week said Albanese's latest report was "legally groundless, defamatory and a flagrant abuse of her office."