24/6/2025–|Last update: 11:29 (Mecca time)
The Giant Danish Shipping Company “Merck” announced the end of its relations with companies linked to the illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, in a move that comes in response to a pressure campaign that continued for months led by solidarity organizations with Palestine, led by the Palestinian Youth Movement (BYM).
The company said in a statement published on its website in June 2025: “After a recent review of the West Bank transport operations, we have strengthened our examination procedures in relation to Israeli settlements, including align these measures with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights database related to companies involved in activities within settlements.”
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights databases includes companies that participate in supportive activities, such as providing services, equipment or financial operations that contribute to its continuation, which is a violation of international law according to the United Nations resolutions.
A clear message for the global shipping industry.
In a special statement to Al -Jazeera, the Palestinian youth activist Aisha Nizar said: “This step sends a clear message to the shipping industry around the world: adherence to international law and basic human rights is not optional. It is no longer possible to turn a blind eye to trade relations with illegal Israeli settlements.”
But Aisha Nizar stressed at the same time that the step is not sufficient, and added: “Merck still transports the equipment of the Israeli army, including the components of the F-35 aircraft that are used to bomb the Palestinians and commit the massacres against them. We will continue the popular pressure until the company cuts all its relations with extermination and ends the charging of weapons and its components to Israel.”
“Death Series” and its focal point in Rotterdam
Al-Jazeera Net highlighted a detailed achievement of the title of “Death Shipping Series” in May 2025 on the use of European ports, especially the Dutch port of Rotterdam, as a basic point in the supply chain for the components of weapons heading to Israel, led by parts of F-35 aircraft.
🔗 Read the full investigation of Al -Jazeera Net
The Dutch judiciary had issued a decision prohibiting the export of F-35 parts to Israel, but the Rotterdam Port practically continued to play a logistical role in this network, according to the movement.
Marsk: We refuse to charge weapons .. but
In response to these accusations, the Merck Company confirmed to Al -Jazeera that it applies a strict policy not to ship weapons or ammunition to the areas of active conflict, and that it is implementing strict audit procedures, especially in the conflict areas, including Israel and the Gaza Strip.
However, it admitted that its American branch “Merck Line Limitide” is still participating, along with many companies, in the global supply chain of F-35 aircraft, which is one of the most prominent tools of Israeli bombing in the repeated aggression against the Palestinians, according to human rights organizations and international reports.
Increasing international pressure
The decision comes at a time when international pressure is escalating on the companies involved in supporting the occupation. Last year, Spain banned the “Merck” ships that transport military equipment to Israel in its ports.
In the midst of the last war, multiple accusations were sent to international shipping companies playing a decisive role in continuing logistical support for the Israeli military machine.
The campaign led by the Palestinian youth movement also showed how popular strategies and base organizations have become able to influence major international companies, through continuous campaigns to uncover unethical relations and link them to the ongoing violence against the Palestinians.