A UN official has identified over 60 companies — including major weapons manufacturers and tech firms — as being involved in supporting Israeli settlements and military operations in Gaza, which she described as a “genocidal campaign.” Francesca Albanese, an Italian human rights lawyer and the UN Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories, compiled the report using more than 200 submissions from governments, human rights groups, companies, and academics.

Released on June 30, the 27-page report urges businesses to end their ties with Israel and calls for legal accountability for executives accused of violating international law. “As Gaza is being devastated and violence rises in the West Bank, this report highlights the financial incentives behind Israel’s actions — showing that genocide has become profitable,” Albanese wrote. She said companies are "financially tied to Israel’s apartheid and military operations."

Israel's UN delegation in Geneva dismissed the report as "legally unfounded, defamatory, and a blatant misuse of her role." The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office and Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to media inquiries. The U.S. mission to the UN in New York criticized the report and urged UN Secretary-General António Guterres to condemn Albanese and remove her from her position, claiming that failure to act has allowed her to wage “economic warfare” against global businesses.

Israel strongly denies allegations of genocide in Gaza, asserting its right to defend itself following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, which it says resulted in 1,200 Israeli deaths and 251 hostages. In response, Israel's military campaign in Gaza has killed over 56,000 people and left the territory in ruins, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

Companies Named in the Report: The report categorizes the companies by industry — such as military and technology — though it doesn’t always clarify whether the firms are linked to settlement activity or the Gaza offensive. About 15 companies replied to Albanese’s office, but their responses were not published. Named arms manufacturers include Lockheed Martin and Leonardo, accused of supplying weapons used in Gaza. Construction equipment makers like Caterpillar Inc and HD Hyundai were also listed for allegedly contributing to the destruction of Palestinian property.

Lockheed Martin responded that foreign military sales are handled by governments and such matters should be discussed with U.S. authorities. The other companies did not respond to Reuters at the time of reporting. Caterpillar has previously stated it expects its products to be used in accordance with international law. Tech giants Alphabet, Amazon, Microsoft, and IBM were also listed for allegedly supporting Israel’s surveillance systems and the destruction in Gaza. Alphabet has previously defended its $1.2 billion cloud contract with the Israeli government, saying it does not support military or intelligence use.

Palantir Technologies was also named for providing artificial intelligence tools to the Israeli military, though the report offered few details on how those tools are used. This report builds on a previous UN database listing companies connected to Israeli settlements, updated in June 2023, by adding new firms and highlighting potential involvement in the Gaza conflict. The findings will be presented Thursday to the 47-member UN Human Rights Council, which has no enforcement power but whose reports have occasionally influenced international legal actions. Earlier this year, Israel and the United States withdrew from the Council, citing what they called systemic bias against Israel.