UN Adds 70 Firms to West Bank Settlement Blacklist

The United Nations has added nearly 70 companies to its blacklist of firms accused of violating Palestinian human rights through business activities in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. The updated “database of companies” now includes 158 firms from 11 countries, mainly Israel, along with the United States, Canada, China, Britain, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg.

New additions include German construction materials company Heidelberg Materials, Portuguese rail provider Steconfer, and Spanish transportation engineering firm Ineco. Companies already on the list include U.S.-based travel firms Expedia Group, Booking Holdings Inc., and Airbnb, Inc. Seven companies were removed this round, including France’s Alstom and Spain’s eDreams.

Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel 

The U.N. human rights office, responsible for compiling the list, emphasized that businesses operating in conflict zones must ensure their activities do not contribute to human rights abuses. “Businesses working in contexts of conflict have a due diligence responsibility to ensure their activities do not contribute to human rights abuses,” said Ravina Shamdasani, U.N. human rights spokesperson.

The companies on the list are primarily active in construction, real estate, mining, quarrying, and services such as security, travel, and finance. The Human Rights Council’s goal is to “name and shame” companies with ties to settlements, which are widely considered illegal under international law.

This update comes as Israel approved plans to build thousands of new settlement homes in the West Bank, a move critics say could split the territory and hinder the prospects of a future Palestinian state. Over 500,000 Israelis currently live in West Bank settlements, alongside more than 200,000 in east Jerusalem.

The U.N. has maintained the blacklist since 2020. The first revision listed 112 companies, decreasing to 97 in 2023, with several removed in each update. The council cited 10 activities that could merit inclusion, including supplying construction equipment, surveillance tools, or booking travel and lodging in settlements.

While the Human Rights Council lacks legal authority to enforce sanctions, the listing carries symbolic weight and has attracted international attention. Hundreds of additional companies are under review for potential inclusion.

The U.N. continues to review companies for potential human rights violations in the occupied territories, as tensions rise over settlement expansion and stalled peace efforts.