"Ben & Jerry's board calls for immediate Gaza ceasefire"

The board of US ice cream firm Ben & Jerry’s has called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, emphasising that "peace is a core value of the brand".

Speaking to the Financial Times, Ben & Jerry's board of directors chair Anuradha Mittal called for urgent action to be pursued, comparing the latest move to the company's stance on other global issues.

"From Iraq to Ukraine [the company] has consistently stood up for these principles. Today is no different as we call for peace and a permanent and immediate ceasefire," Mittal told FT.   

"It is stunning that millions are marching around the world but the corporate world has been silent."...

The board's move is consistent with its continued pro-Palestine moves, following its previous attempts to halt sales of Ben & Jerry's ice cream in the occupied West Bank. The move resulted in a clash with parent company Unilever.

The company board's call for a ceasefire in Gaza risks further tensions with Unilever, however Ben and Jerry’s has since issued a separate statement.

"We are aware that the Ben & Jerry's Independent Board of Directors has released a statement in support of peace and a ceasefire in Gaza," a spokesperson said in a statement. 

"The statement is on behalf of the independent Board and the company has no additional comment at this time. Ben & Jerry's has a long history of supporting peace and peace building."...