PALESTINIAN victims have issued a claim against the energy giant BP, alleging its complicity in supplying oil to Israel amid ongoing claims of the country committing acts of genocide in Gaza.
A 36-page letter was sent to BP on December 19 by the claimants, Palestinian victims of Israel’s bombing of Gaza, who are represented by the London-based law firm Bindmans LLP.
The claim outlines BP’s continued supply and facilitation of crude oil to Israel through the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) Pipeline, which is owned and operated by a consortium of 11 energy companies, and is managed by BP.
The claimants, who are supported by the legal advocacy group dedicated to promoting accountability and justice for Palestinian communities, the International Centre of Justice for Palestinians (ICJP), argue that BP’s actions breach its stated commitments to human rights under international law, including:
• The UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
• The prohibition of complicity in war crimes and crimes against humanity under customary international law.
• Obligations under its own Human Rights Policy, which require BP to avoid contributing to human rights abuses.
The claim references the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) rulings in November where a UN special committee said the policies and practices carried out by Israel in Gaza are “consistent with the characteristics of genocide”.
Claimants stated that despite the ICJ’s rulings, BP has continued to facilitate oil supplies, which are essential for Israel’s military operations.
Lead claimants in the case include a British citizen of Palestinian origin who lost 16 family members to Israeli airstrikes and whose surviving family members in Gaza are facing “dire humanitarian conditions”.
Another British Palestinian claimant whose relatives in Gaza have either died due to lack of access to medical care and essential supplies or have been displaced from their homes.
Additional claimants say they have endured catastrophic physical and psychological harm including amputations and the loss of family members due to Israel’s continued assault in Gaza.
Last week the death toll in Gaza surpassed 45,000 with more than 100,000 people wounded, according to Palestinian health officials.
The ICJP, who are supporting the claimant's legal action against BP, have been documenting evidence, supporting victims, and amplifying the voices of those affected by the ongoing conflict.
Bindmans LLP has issued a Letter Before Claim to BP, outlining the following demands:
• Immediate cessation of oil supply to Israel and facilitation through the BTC Pipeline.
• Full disclosure of relevant documents, including policies, contracts, and risk assessments relating to BP’s operations in connection with oil supplied to Israel.
• Admission of liability and a commitment to mediation for assessing damages.
• A public apology to the claimants for the harm caused.
The claim also highlights BP’s responsibility to uphold its human rights commitments, stating that in conflict zones its activities have a direct impact on civilian lives.
Tayab Ali, head of International Law at Bindmans LLP and director at ICJP, said that by facilitating Israel with oil BP has contributed to the “humanitarian catastrophe” in Gaza.
He 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.”
BP have declined to comment comment.
