Under Israel’s brutal system of apartheid and occupation against Palestinians, HD Hyundai’s heavy machinery is being used to demolish Palestinian homes in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT). HD Hyundai must immediately suspend the supply of its heavy machinery to Israel and ensure its equipment is not used to commit grave human rights abuses.
What is the problem?
HD Hyundai machinery has been repeatedly used by Israeli forces to demolish Palestinian homes, businesses, and essential infrastructure in the OPT, namely, the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip.
These demolitions, which have resulted in large scale and sustained forced displacement of Palestinian residents, constitute a key pillar in Israel’s system of apartheid and its illegal occupation of Palestinian territory. Entire families have been displaced; water wells and cultural sites have been destroyed; and countless lives have been shattered. One family watched their home reduced to rubble in minutes — and were later forced to pay demolition fees.
‘In early 2023, two Hyundai bulldozers demolished our home. We had appealed, but the court rejected it and issued a final demolition order, requiring us to demolish the house ourselves. We refused, and now the authorities will charge us for the bulldozer rental and labour costs.”
Sohaib Rajab, a 33-year-old Palestinian man from Beit Hanina, East Jerusalem
Despite being made aware in 2023 that its products could be linked to ongoing human rights violations in the OPT, HD Hyundai has failed to take the necessary steps to ensure its machinery is not being used in unlawful home demolitions in the OPT. Under the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, companies have an obligation to abide by international humanitarian law when their operations are connected to areas of armed conflict and occupation.
What can you do to help?
Act now and call on HD Hyundai to suspend the supply of its heavy machinery to Israel and ensure its equipment is not used in grave human rights abuses.