Helena Horton
The Guardian / December 23, 2024
Palestinians accuse UK firm of breaching human rights laws by piping oil allegedly used by Israeli army
Palestinian victims of the war in Gaza are taking legal action against BP for running a pipeline that supplies much of Israel’s crude oil.
The claimants have sent the British oil company a letter before claim, alleging it is breaching its stated commitments to human rights under international law.
BP owns and operates the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline, through which Azerbaijan supplies Israel with crude oil. The pipeline, which runs through Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey, from where the oil is then transported by ship, provides 28% of Israel’s crude oil supply.
Oil supplies are critical for Israel’s military operation, and it has been reported that oil from this pipeline is being sent to a refinery that produces jet fuel for military planes which are dropping munitions on Gaza.
The letter states: “Israel relies heavily on crude oil and refined petroleum imports to run its large fleet of fighter jets, tanks and other military vehicles and operations, as well as the bulldozers implicated in clearing Palestinian homes and olive groves to make way for unlawful Israeli settlements. Some fuel from refineries goes directly to the armed forces, while much of the rest appears to go to ordinary gas stations where military personnel can refuel their vehicles under a government contract.” It asks that any case is heard in a British court as BP and the claimants are based in England.
The legal letter claims BP has violated the UN guiding principles on business and human rights, as well as the prohibition of complicity in war crimes and crimes against humanity under customary international law and obligations under its own policies, which require BP to avoid contributing to human rights abuses. A UN commission has found that Israel has committed war crimes during the conflict in Gaza. The UN general assembly has also approved resolutions demanding an immediate ceasefire. At least 42,000 people have been killed in the conflict.
Tayab Ali, the head of international law at Bindmans law firm and director at the International Centre of Justice for Palestinians, both of which are working with the claimants, said: “This legal action marks a new phase in accountability for those that are complicit in alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. The evidence against BP demonstrates a clear failure to adhere to its own human rights policies and international law.
“By facilitating the transport of oil that fuels military operations in Gaza, BP has contributed to the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in the region. Our clients seek justice for the profound suffering and loss they have endured and call on BP to act responsibly by immediately halting its involvement.”
The lead claimants are people of Palestinian origin who have suffered vast losses as a result of the conflict. They include a British citizen who lost 16 family members to Israeli airstrikes and whose surviving family members in Gaza face dire humanitarian conditions. Another claimant is also British-Palestinian, and their relatives in Gaza have suffered fatalities and displacement, with some dying due to lack of access to medical care and essential supplies. Other claimants include those who have faced catastrophic physical and psychological harm including amputations and loss of family members.
The legal letter demands BP immediately ceases supply and facilitation of oil supply to Israel through the pipeline, and that the oil company provides full disclosure of relevant documents, including policies, contracts, and risk assessments relating to BP’s operations in connection with oil supplied to Israel. The claimants are also asking for admission of liability and a commitment to mediation for assessing damages and a public apology for the harm caused.
BP did not respond to requests for comment.
