Two recent reports shed light on the troubling involvement of corporations and governments in sustaining the ongoing violence in Gaza.

Commissioned by Oil Change International, "Behind the Barrel: New Insights into the Countries and Companies Behind Israel’s Fuel Supply" reveals the continued and expanded role of oil companies in the conflict. According to the report, “investor-owned and private oil companies are complicit through their operations and ownership stakes in projects supplying oil to Israel.” It is noted that these companies “collectively supply 66% of oil to Israel,” with major firms such as Chevron, BP, ExxonMobil, Shell, Eni, and TotalEnergies responsible for over half of this supply. The report underscores that, given recent International Court of Justice (ICJ) rulings, these companies “could be held liable for complicity in acts of genocide.”

The "Fuelling the Flames in Gaza" briefing by SOMO explores the legal implications for entities involved in supplying jet fuel to the Israeli military, stating that “companies supplying jet fuel may be considered to be providing material support to the military, aware of its foreseeable harmful effects.” It highlights U.S. company Valero as a “long-time and key supplier of JP-8 to Israel under contracts with the U.S. government.” The fuel is shipped from Corpus Christi, Texas, to Ashkelon, Israel, by vessels from Overseas Shipholding Group, a company “contracted directly by the Israeli government.” This ongoing supply remains controversial, as “the US continues to be a key supplier” and faces growing scrutiny. The report also examines the roles of Ashdod Refinery Limited, Bazan Group, Israel Petrochemical Enterprises Limited, Paz Aviation Services, and Paz Oil in the supply, refinery, and transportation of oil and jet fuel to Israel.

Both reports reflect the ICJ’s opinion that Israel is “plausibly committing genocide” and that the occupation of Palestinian territories is “unlawful.” Despite these legal findings, the fuel supply chain remains robust. Azerbaijan, Italy, Albania, Greece, Gabon, Nigeria, Congo-Brazzaville, and Brazil all play significant roles in this supply chain.

We invited Valero, Overseas Shipholdings, Ashdod Refinery, Bazan, BP, Chevron, Shell, Eni and Paz Aviation to respond to allegations. We received responses from Valero and Chevron.

Valero states " We do not sell fuel to Israel or the Israel Defense Forces. We are, however, a contractually bound supplier of various fuels to the United States military in several locations, including their use at U.S. military bases."

Chevron has stated that "Chevron remains focused on reliably providing the energy the world needs. We are deeply concerned about the recent events in the Middle East and the devastating impact on communities. Our thoughts are with all those whose lives and livelihoods are impacted by violence. Chevron’s commitment to respecting human rights is integrated into corporate policies and operationalized through our management systems and Business Conduct and Ethics Code. Chevron operates in compliance with all applicable laws."

Overseas Shipholding, Ashdod Refinery, Bazan, BP, Shell, Eni and Paz Aviation did not respond.