As the Occupying Power, Israel has the obligation to protect the occupied population and ensure public order and safety. However, it must carry out its responsibilities for the benefit of the occupied population and may under no circumstances administer the territory to further its own interests. The proposed wastewater treatment plant will serve the Israeli settlements in East Jerusalem, thereby solidifying their existence and perpetuating violations of international law. Furthermore, the wastewater treatment plant will primarily benefit the settlement enterprise at the expense of the occupied Palestinian population and its economy.

Al-Haq hopes that this decision will serve as a precedent to other companies, and to Royal HaskoningDHV itself, when considering future contracts that would involve corporate complicity in Israel’s violations of international law.

-Ends-