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What happened
The United Nations has updated its database to include 158 companies profiting from Israel's illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank, with notable names such as Airbnb, Booking.com, and Expedia. The report emphasizes the responsibility of businesses to avoid contributing to human rights violations, particularly in conflict zones. It added 68 companies since its last update in June 2023, while removing seven. The majority of the listed firms are involved in construction and real estate, sectors critical to Israel's settlement expansion. The report coincides with heightened scrutiny of Israel's actions in the West Bank and Gaza, where human rights groups accuse the state of ethnic cleansing and a strategy to forcibly displace Palestinians. The UN's findings serve as a tool for civil society to pressure companies to withdraw from settlements, highlighting the complicity of international firms in violations of international law.
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Key insights
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1
Corporate Responsibility
Businesses must ensure their activities do not contribute to human rights abuses.
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2
Settlement Expansion
Israeli settlements continue to expand, impacting Palestinian communities.
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3
International Scrutiny
The UN report highlights ongoing global scrutiny of Israel's policies.
Takeaways
The UN report serves as a critical reminder of the corporate role in conflict-related human rights issues.