Unilever, the parent company of Ben and Jerry’s, infringed upon the ice cream maker’s “social mission” by preventing it from speaking out in favor of Palestine, according to a lawsuit.

Ben & Jerry's, the Vermont-based maker of popular ice creams, has sued its parent company, Unilever, for what it says is censorship over its views supporting Palestinians in the war between Israel and Hamas.

In escalation of long-running tensions, the ice-cream brand says its parent company blocked statements in support of Palestinian rights.

Ben & Jerry’s has sued its parent company, Unilever, claiming they have been censored from “publicly voicing support for peace and refugee rights,” in particular their support for Palestinian refugees.

The claims are the latest in ongoing tensions between Ben & Jerry's and Unilever following the ice cream maker's decision to end sales in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

When Ben & Jerry’s was sold, the companies agreed that the ice cream maker’s independent board would be free to pursue its social mission.