Danish Shipping Giant Maersk Drops Firms Tied to Israeli Settlements
Danish shipping giant responds to global pressure and Palestinian advocacy, vows to halt shipments to and from illegal West Bank settlements
Danish, PUREWILAYAH.COM - Global shipping leader Maersk has announced that it will cease business operations with companies connected to Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.
In a statement published Wednesday on its official website, the Danish firm cited growing concerns over complicity in Israel’s crimes against the Palestinian people.
“Following a recent review of transports related to the West Bank, we further strengthened our screening procedures in relation to Israeli settlements,” the statement read.
Focused Action on Settlements, Not Entire Blacklist
Maersk clarified that the decision pertains specifically to transportation to and from Israeli settlements, and is not a blanket cut of all ties with companies listed by the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
The OHCHR maintains a database of companies involved in settlement-related activities, including service provision, equipment sales, and financial operations.
Though Maersk has not disclosed which contracts or companies are directly impacted, the move signals a shift in how multinational corporations are addressing their role in controversial or unlawful operations in occupied territories.
Response to Palestinian Pressure Campaign
This shift by Maersk follows a sustained campaign by the Palestinian Youth Movement (PYM), which had accused the company of aiding Israel’s military infrastructure — notably through the shipment of weapon components.
PYM welcomed the move, describing it as “a step toward dismantling complicity in occupation and apartheid.”
“This sends a clear message to the global shipping industry: compliance with international law and basic human rights is not optional,” said Aisha Nizar, spokesperson for PYM. “Doing business with Israel’s illegal settlements is no longer viable, and the world is watching to see who follows next.”
Maersk Still Accused of Transporting F-35 Components
While applauding the development, PYM called for deeper action, claiming that Maersk continues to transport military components used by the Israeli occupation, including those related to the F-35 fighter jets deployed in Gaza and other conflict zones.
“Maersk continues to profit from the genocide of our people – regularly shipping F-35 components used to bomb and massacre Palestinians,” Nizar added.
She emphasized that the campaign “will continue to build pressure and mobilize people power until Maersk cuts all ties to genocide and ends the transport of weapons and weapons components to Israel.”
Earlier this year, Maersk shareholders voted during the company’s annual general meeting to review its involvement in arms shipments to Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories. Additionally, in 2024, Spain officially barred Maersk ships carrying military goods to Israel from docking at its ports.
Rotterdam Port and the “Supply Chain of Death”
In early June, the PYM exposed Maersk’s alleged use of the port of Rotterdam as a key node in what it labeled a “supply chain of death.” While Maersk maintains that it has a strict policy against shipping arms to active war zones, critics say enforcement is inconsistent.
The Palestinian Youth Movement concluded its statement by urging other logistics and shipping firms to follow Maersk’s lead and sever ties with companies complicit in Israel’s violations of international law and human rights in the occupied territories. (PW)
Source: Press TV