PALESTINIAN victims of Israel’s bombing of Gaza have launched legal action in Britain against BP for helping fuel Israel’s war of genocide.

London human rights lawyers Bindmans LLP have issued a legal document against BP plc and the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Pipeline Company (BTC Co), alleging complicity in violations of international law and human rights in Gaza. 

It says the firms are supplying Israel with fuel “despite well-documented allegations of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide arising from Israel’s military operations in Gaza since October 2023.”

The legal action is being brought by Palestinian victims of Israel’s bombing, and is supported by the International Centre of Justice for Palestinians (ICJP). 

The claimants include a British citizen of Palestinian origin who lost 16 family members to Israeli air strikes and whose surviving family members in Gaza face dire humanitarian conditions.

A second British Palestinian claimant has again seen their relatives in Gaza killed and displaced, with some dying due to lack of access to medical care and essential supplies.

Bindmans said: “The legal claim highlights BP’s role as a key supplier of oil to Israel via the BTC Pipeline.

“This pipeline, a critical infrastructure component for oil transportation, is majority-owned and operated by BP.

“Since October 2023, over 45,000 deaths have been reported in Gaza, with extensive destruction of civilian infrastructure, widespread displacement, and the collapse of essential services such as healthcare and food distribution.”

Tayab Ali, head of international law at Bindmans LLP and director at ICJP, said: “This legal action marks a new phase in accountability for those that are complicit in alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. 

“The evidence against BP demonstrates a clear failure to adhere to its own human rights policies and international law.

“By facilitating the transport of oil that fuels military operations in Gaza, BP has contributed to the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in the region. 

“Our clients seek justice for the profound suffering and loss they have endured and call on BP to act responsibly by immediately halting its involvement.”

The ICJP advocates for the legal rights of Palestinians, using legal processes to challenge injustices and to hold accountable individuals, corporations and governments that may be complicit in violations of international law.

BP was contacted for comment.