RAMALLAH, West Bank — The Palestinian Authority (PA) took its first step toward prosecuting businesses operating in the West Bank’s Israeli settlements. Saeb Erekat, secretary-general of the PLO, sent letters Feb. 18 to multiple European and US companies demanding that said business enterprises cease operations in Israeli settlements or else be brought before the international judiciary.

The PA applauded a report the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) released Feb. 12 that lists 112 businesses operating in the West Bank’s Israeli settlements. The PA perceived the report to be a triumph and as one to be depended on in legal actions against these businesses. Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Malki indicated in a Feb. 12 statement that the report is tantamount to a victory for international law and called on the international community to pressure these companies to cut ties to the settlements. He emphasized that the list is of significant importance in helping to dry up the sources of illegal settlements in Palestine.

The Palestinians have been waiting for this so-called “blacklist” for four years, as it was supposed to be released upon application of the OHCHR's Resolution 31/36 of March 24, 2016. The resolution required producing “a database of all business enterprises involved in certain specified activities related to the Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (…).”

The list has ignited angry reactions in Israel and the United States. Israeli Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz said Feb. 14 that Israel has frozen relations with the OHCHR, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated the report is “biased” and lashed out at the UN Human Rights Council for tarnishing the image of Israel.