Palestinians Face Devastating Consequences of Illegal Settlements
Human Rights Violations
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- Physical attacks
- Destruction of homes and livelihoods
- Sexual violence
- Torture
The occupied Palestinian territory (OPT) is witnessing a devastating humanitarian crisis, with Palestinians facing physical attacks, destruction of their homes and livelihoods, sexual violence, and torture at the hands of Israeli settlers.
Booking.com Accused of Facilitating War Crimes and Human Rights Violations
Amsterdam - A groundbreaking criminal complaint has been filed against Booking.com, a major player in the online tourism industry, for its alleged involvement in facilitating war crimes and human rights violations in the OPT. The company is accused of profiting from illegal Israeli settlements and engaging in money laundering.
The European Legal Support Center (ELSC), Al-Haq, The Rights Forum (TRF) and SOMO have filed a complaint against Booking.com, alleging that its business activities in the OPT contribute to and profit from crimes against the Palestinian people. The company is accused of knowingly listing accommodations in illegal Israeli settlements, including those built on privately owned Palestinian land.
“Booking.com’s actions are not only a violation of international law but also a blatant disregard for human rights,” said Lydia van Leeuw, Researcher at SOMO. “The Netherlands must enforce its laws and put an end to this impunity.”
The Impact of Illegal Settlements
- Mass forced displacement of entire Palestinian communities in the West Bank
- Devastating impact on Palestinians’ livelihoods and daily life
The mass forced displacement of entire Palestinian communities in the West Bank is a direct result of these violations. The illegal settlements have devastating consequences for Palestinians, including destruction of homes, livelihoods, and daily life.
Booking.com’s Involvement
- Knowingly listing accommodations in illegal Israeli settlements
- Failing to take adequate measures to prevent or mitigate human rights violations
Booking.com has been confronted with evidence of its involvement in these crimes for years, but has failed to take adequate measures to prevent or mitigate them. Instead, the company continues to profit from its activities in the OPT, despite knowing the harm it causes.
Corporate Criminal Accountability
“We want to stop companies like Booking.com from legitimizing crimes and occupation,” said a spokesperson for the complaint. “We demand corporate criminal accountability for Booking.com’s actions and call on the Dutch Public Prosecutor to investigate and prosecute this case.”
The case is set to become a landmark example of corporate criminal accountability for human rights violations and war crimes. If successful, it could lead to fines, personal liability for individuals responsible, and a strong deterrent effect on other companies operating in illegal Israeli settlements.
Stay Tuned for Updates
This developing story will continue to be updated as new information becomes available.