UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese has issued a stark warning, demanding an immediate suspension of all trade and investment with Israel amid escalating violence in Gaza. In a groundbreaking report, Albanese has labeled Gaza a “laboratory for Israeli weapons testing” and accused major corporations of profiting from Israel’s military actions, which she claims violate international law.

Albanese’s urgent call comes in the wake of a devastating military response by Israel following the October 7 attacks, intensifying scrutiny on companies like Booking.com, Airbnb, and major tech giants such as Alphabet and Microsoft. These firms are implicated in facilitating Israel’s military operations, including surveillance and urban warfare, while tourism companies are accused of promoting rentals in illegal settlements on occupied land.

During a live interview, Albanese revealed that nearly half of the corporations named in her report have engaged with her, yet many fail to grasp the gravity of their complicity in what she describes as a “web of economic complicity” that enables the ongoing genocide in Gaza. She emphasized that these businesses must withdraw their support for Israel’s military actions, which have resulted in widespread destruction and loss of life.

The report highlights that the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange has surged by 170% since October 2023, with billions being made while Palestinian lives are devastated. Albanese insists that these corporations must be held accountable under both international and domestic law, as their actions contribute to the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

As the world watches, Albanese urges the public to take action—by holding corporations accountable and reconsidering their roles as consumers. She draws parallels to past global movements, suggesting that this moment could be pivotal in demanding corporate responsibility and justice for the Palestinian people. The urgency of her message resonates louder than ever: the time for change is now.