BDs

BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) is a Palestinian-led global civil society movement that calls for nonviolent action to pressure Israel regarding Palestinian rights. It emerged in 2005 through a declaration by Palestinian civil society organizations in response to the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip and related policies. The movement’s stated objectives are to end the occupation and dismantle the separation barrier, achieve equal rights for Palestinian citizens of Israel and for Palestinians under occupation, and guarantee the rights of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes as stipulated in international law.

BDS seeks to achieve these goals through nonviolent means such as boycotts of Israeli-occupied territories and Israeli institutions, divestment by institutions from Israeli companies, and sanctions on Israel by governments. The movement emphasizes that its actions are nonviolent and rooted in international law and human rights standards.

BDS operates as a decentralized network, with the Palestinian-led BDS National Committee (BNC) coordinating among local and regional campaigns. Supporters include trade unions, student groups, cultural and faith communities, and political organizations in many countries. Critics argue that BDS aims to delegitimize or dismantle the state of Israel and can be associated with antisemitism or political pressure on Israel. Proponents contend that the movement applies international law and human rights standards nonviolently and seeks a just, negotiated settlement.

The movement has generated substantial debate and varying responses: some institutions and governments have endorsed or complied with BDS-adjacent campaigns, while others have condemned it or enacted measures restricting or opposing BDS activity. The effectiveness and ethics of BDS remain contested and evolving.