By Selman Aksunger
AMSTERDAM (AA) – Major technology companies, defense contractors, and retail chains are under increasing scrutiny and facing boycott campaigns for their direct and indirect support of Israeli military operations in Gaza, amid escalating concerns regarding corporate complicity in genocide.
As part of Anadolu’s series ‘Silent Supporters of Israeli Genocide in Europe,’ the latest report highlights the assistance provided by various global corporations to Israel, which is currently on trial in international courts for its actions in Gaza.
While the Palestinian Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) Committee advocates for a strategic boycott of companies that support Israel, experts stress that local legal mechanisms can be employed to challenge corporate involvement in the genocide.
Shahd Hammouri, an international law expert from the University of Kent, argues that Israel’s actions in Gaza are closely linked to economic interests, emphasizing that “genocide remains profitable for some.”
She points out that Israel’s war economy, heavily backed by the US, is intertwined with global industries such as military services, spyware, and weaponry. Key arms suppliers to Israel are based in the US, Germany, the UK, and France, which are among the world’s largest arms exporters.
- Defense industry sees profit surge
Israeli defense firms, including Elbit Systems, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, have reported record profits since the escalation of attacks on Oct. 7, 2023.
The CEO of Elbit Systems confirmed a substantial increase in production and orders during this period. These companies also sell the weapons and technologies used in Gaza on the global market.
American defense contractors Boeing and Lockheed Martin continue to provide significant military equipment to Israel, contributing to its operations in Gaza.
- Tech giants expand data infrastructure
Leading technology firms such as Amazon, Google, and Microsoft are supplying crucial cloud storage services to Israel, expanding their agreements following the events of Oct. 7 last year.
Through Project Nimbus, Israel secured a cloud storage agreement with Amazon and Google in 2021, while Microsoft provides software services that support population management systems.
Meanwhile, homestay platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, and Expedia face lawsuits for legitimizing the occupation by listing rental properties in illegal settlements within the occupied Palestinian territories. In the Netherlands, Booking.com is under investigation due to a criminal complaint filed by human rights organizations.
- Social media platforms face censorship claims
Major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok, are accused of implementing pro-Israel censorship policies. Critics argue that these platforms systematically restrict pro-Palestinian content while showing greater tolerance for pro-Israel narratives.
The cultural sector also contributes to the regime's propaganda. The creation of a “superhero” character glorifying Israel by Disney-owned Marvel Studios in the latest ‘Captain America’ film is a notable example.
- Global boycott movement gains momentum
Consumers globally are launching boycott campaigns against brands that support Israel.
The American coffeehouse chain Starbucks has experienced declining sales, leading to the departure of former CEO Laxman Narasimhan. Fashion retailer Zara was compelled to withdraw an advertising campaign after facing criticism for imagery reminiscent of the destruction in Gaza.
French retail corporation Carrefour faces calls for boycott in France over its operations in West Bank settlements, while British bank Barclays is reportedly considering withdrawing from Israeli state bond auctions due to activist pressure.
- Legal efforts and corporate accountability
Legal experts suggest that local legal mechanisms could hold multinational companies accountable.
Abdurrahman Erol, an international law expert from Erasmus University Rotterdam, explains that while imposing international legal sanctions against companies supporting Israel is challenging, local legal avenues offer potential alternatives.
“Universal jurisdiction provisions in many national laws allow cases involving war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity to be pursued through local courts,” Erol states, suggesting that principles of international law could be applied through domestic legal frameworks to establish corporate accountability.
The Israeli army has continued its devastating offensive on the Gaza Strip since a cross-border incursion by the Palestinian group Hamas last October, despite a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire.
Over 43,000 people, predominantly women and children, have been killed, and over 100,800 others injured, according to local health authorities.
The Israeli onslaught has displaced nearly the entire population of the territory, and the ongoing blockade has resulted in severe shortages of food, clean water, and medicine.
Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice regarding its actions in Gaza.
*Writing by Yasin Gungor