Ben & Jerry's has filed a lawsuit against its parent company Unilever, alleging that Unilever has blocked its attempts to publicly support Palestinian refugees amidst the ongoing Gaza conflict. The ice cream brand claims that Unilever has silenced its efforts to advocate for peace and human rights on four separate occasions, violating a 2022 settlement that requires Unilever to respect the independent board's social mission responsibilities. This legal dispute highlights the longstanding tensions between the two companies, which began in 2021 when Ben & Jerry's announced it would cease sales in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. In the new lawsuit, Ben & Jerry's cites attempts to call for a ceasefire, support the safe passage of refugees, and protest against U.S. military aid to Israel as efforts hindered by Unilever. Unilever has dismissed these claims, stating it will defend itself vigorously. The conflict underscores the complex relationship between corporate governance and social activism.