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Palestinians Face Physical Attacks, Destruction of Homes and Livelihoods at Hands of Settlers

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A growing crisis has been unfolding in the West Bank, where Palestinians are facing increasing physical attacks, destruction of their homes and livelihoods, sexual violence, and torture at the hands of Israeli settlers. The situation has led to mass forced displacement of entire Palestinian communities.

The Case Against Booking.com

Booking.com, a major player in the online tourism industry, has been accused of contributing to these crimes by promoting and enabling rentals in illegal Israeli settlements. Despite continuous calls from Palestinian and international civil society groups for action, the company has refused to stop its business activities in the occupied territory.

The Allegations

Booking.com has been accused of knowingly profiting from illegal settlements, which are recognized as a violation of international law and associated with war crimes. The company’s business activities in the occupied territory contribute to the creation, maintenance, and expansion of these illegal settlements, and its profits are directly tied to severe human rights abuses and war crimes.

Under Dutch financial crimes legislation, Booking.com’s business activities in the occupied territory constitute money laundering, as they involve illicit financial flows. The company’s profits from these activities enter the international financial system, making it complicit in facilitating illegal activities.

What We Want

We want to stop companies like Booking.com from legitimizing crimes and occupation. We believe that corporate criminal accountability is essential to promoting justice and protecting human rights. Such accountability can come in the form of a criminal investigation, indictment, and conviction by a criminal court.

Timeline

  • November 1, 2023: The complaint was filed with the Dutch Public Prosecutor’s Office.
  • May 15, 2024: Booking.com responded to SOMO’s research findings.

What’s Next?

The Dutch Prosecutor must now decide whether to proceed with an investigation or prosecution. We believe there is substantial evidence to justify action and will keep this page updated.

Partners

  • The Rights Forum
  • The European Legal Support Center (ELSC)
  • Al-Haq
  • “Booking.com’s Business in Illegal Israeli Settlements: A Report” by SOMO
  • “The Illegality of Israeli Settlements: A Legal Analysis” by Al-Haq

Do You Need More Information?

Contact us at [insert contact information] for more information or to request a copy of the complaint.