UN General Assembly Highlights Spain’s Commitment to Palestinian Rights
With the ongoing UN General Assembly taking center stage in New York, discussions are gravitating towards humanitarian crises and escalating tensions in the Middle East . The Spanish government, under the leadership of Pedro Sánchez , is emerging as a significant supporter of the Palestinian cause . At a time when international scrutiny of Israeli actions in the West Bank is intensifying, several countries—including France , the United Kingdom , Portugal , Canada , Belgium , and Australia —are increasingly recognizing the Palestinian State .
In this charged diplomatic landscape, the United Nations has released a list of companies operating in what it deems illegal Israeli colonies . Among the notable entities on this list is ACS , the construction giant led by Florentino Pérez , the president of Real Madrid . Details published by El País spotlight the importance of examining the role that economic actors play in the occupied territories and their potential complicity in human rights violations .
Significance of UN’s List and Company Involvement
The UN’s compilation of 158 companies, which includes 138 Israeli and four Spanish firms, serves as a warning rather than a legal condemnation . It urges the listed companies to evaluate their complicity in human rights abuses. The Spanish companies included in this list—ACS, Ineco, the Basque rail manufacturer CAF , and SEM —are noted for their involvement in transportation projects, particularly the Jerusalem tram network , which connects the city to Israeli settlements in the occupied region. The activities of these companies are documented to extend from August 2, 2019 , to April 30, 2025 .
Ineco , for instance, asserts that its operations in Israel began back in 2005 and that certain projects, like the 2.5-kilometer tunnel along the Blue Line, are located on internationally recognized territory rather than in areas considered occupied. Additionally, Ineco claims it has refrained from taking on new projects since 2023, especially following the escalation of violence in Gaza in October of the same year.
Florentino Pérez’s Response to UN Concerns
The implications of the UN’s findings resonate strongly across Spain. Following the reports from El País , Ineco has committed to completing only its existing projects while adhering strictly to its contractual agreements. The company is also exploring legal avenues to anticipate any potential Israeli sanctions in cases of early contract termination. On the other hand, ACS , through its chairman Florentino Pérez , vehemently denies any involvement in the settlements. Pérez labeled the UN’s actions as unjustified , stating, “We will demand to be immediately removed from this list,” as reported by the Spanish newspaper.
Similarly, CAF continues to evaluate its role in the Jerusalem tram project, asserting that its operations have not identified human rights offenses. The company emphasizes positive contributions to the local populace while touting its collaboration with Israeli partners on contracts valued at €1.8 billion . These organizations maintain that they comply with existing contractual and international standards, rejecting any allegations of complicity in human rights violations.
The Broader Implications of the UN’s Listing
The UN’s list also encompasses foreign firms across different sectors, including prominent reservation platforms like Expedia , Airbnb , and Booking.com , along with American firms like Motorola and British and French construction companies such as EGIS . Most of these indicated firms operate within infrastructure, real estate, or mining sectors. While being included on the list does not impose any legal repercussions , it strongly encourages businesses to take actionable measures to mitigate any negative effects their operations may have on human rights.
Since 2020 , and as per the resolutions from the Human Rights Council , the High Commission for Human Rights has been systematically constituting and updating this database to document the impact of companies on the Palestinian people across all occupied territories, including East Jerusalem . For Real Madrid , the mention of Pérez’s name on this list does not immediately change any business dynamics. However, the implications in Spain are significant, given the nation’s current government stance that openly supports the Palestinian struggle.
The unfolding narrative around the UN list and its implications is indicative of a changing world where corporations must navigate ethical considerations as they engage in global business. In this context, the actions of complex entities like ACS and figures like Florentino Pérez will likely continue to attract scrutiny from both the public and international community, compelling businesses to reflect on their operations and policies.