Paris, France – A French human rights organization filed a legal complaint on Thursday against Airbnb and Booking.com. The complaint accuses these two major online travel platforms of promoting “occupation tourism.” This claim arises from their listings of accommodation in Israeli settlements located in the occupied Palestinian territories.
The legal action was taken by the group Association France-Palestine Solidarité. It alleges that by offering places to stay in these settlements, Airbnb and Booking.com support and profit from Israeli occupation activities considered illegal under international law.
Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem are considered illegal by most of the international community. They are built on land occupied by Israel since 1967, land that Palestinians claim for a future independent state. The settlements have been a major obstacle to peace efforts in the region.
The human rights group argues that listing rental properties in such settlements encourages tourism that helps maintain and expand these areas. This practice, they say, directly contradicts international norms and contributes to the ongoing conflict.
Background and Previous Actions:
- Airbnb removed listings in settlements in 2018 following public pressure and legal concerns.
- Some listings were later reinstated due to complex legal interpretations and business considerations.
- Booking.com has faced scrutiny for similar listings but has not announced any policy changes.
The complaint seeks to hold the companies accountable for their roles in facilitating “occupation tourism.” It calls for legal measures to stop listings in the occupied territories and to protect Palestinian rights.
Human rights experts believe this case could have broader implications for how global companies handle business in conflict zones, highlighting the challenges of balancing:
- Commercial interests
- Ethical responsibilities
- Legal obligations in international markets
Both Airbnb and Booking.com have not yet commented publicly on the latest complaint. Observers expect ongoing debates about corporate accountability and the role of tech platforms in geopolitical conflicts.
Stay tuned for Questiqa Europe News for more latest updates.
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