Gaza: Amnesty International has issued an urgent appeal to states, companies, and various institutions to cease their political, economic, and military backing for Israel, which the organization claims is perpetuating genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, as well as the illegal occupation and apartheid system affecting all Palestinians.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, Amnesty International's Secretary General, Agn¨s Callamard, stated, "It is beyond time for states, public institutions, companies, universities and other private actors to end their lethal addiction to economic gains and profits at all costs." Callamard highlighted how Israel's prolonged occupation and apartheid system require ongoing support through economic relations and trade, with the relentless bombardment and alleged genocide demanding continual supplies of weapons and surveillance equipment, supported by advantageous trading relationships.
This appeal from Amnesty comes as a reminder of the September 18, 2024 UN General Assembly resolution that urged Israel to end its occupation of Palestinian territory within a year. This resolution was influenced by a July 2024 advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which deemed Israel's occupation unlawful and its treatment of Palestinians in violation of international prohibitions on racial segregation and apartheid.
Amnesty International argues that global political and economic frameworks have not only failed to hold Israel accountable but have also actively facilitated conditions that support what Amnesty describes as crimes under international law. The organization calls for decisive state-level actions, including banning companies that benefit from Israel's alleged violations of international law, implementing strict legislation and oversight, halting purchases and public contracts with implicated firms, and pursuing divestment strategies.
The briefing identifies 15 companies implicated in these ongoing violations, spanning sectors such as defense, surveillance, infrastructure, and utilities. Among U.S. arms manufacturers, Boeing and Lockheed Martin are noted, while Israeli defense firms listed include Elbit Systems, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). In the surveillance and technology field, the briefing mentions China's Hikvision, the U.S.-based Palantir Technologies, and Israel's Corsight.
Other firms named include infrastructure and transport companies such as Spain's Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF) and South Korea's HD Hyundai, along with Israel's state-owned water company, Mekorot, in the utilities sector.
Amnesty International is urging its members and supporters worldwide to demand an end to what it describes as the "political economy underpinning Israel's international crimes," stressing that "human dignity is not a commodity."
