Israeli Settlements: The Dark Side of Tourism

Mohammad al-Sbeih's childhood memories are filled with the beauty of his family farm in the hills south of Bethlehem. This small farm, with its terraced fields, was a challenging yet rewarding endeavor for three generations. However, the Israeli settlement of Neve Daniel now stands where the Sbeih family once cultivated wheat and barley.

The settlement's expansion has not only displaced the Sbeih family but also turned their former land into a rental property listed on Booking.com, a global travel site. The listing describes the property as an ideal spot for outdoor gatherings, overlooking the sea.

This situation is not unique. A report by Ekō, a US-based advocacy group, reveals 41 Booking.com listings in 14 illegal Israeli settlements across the occupied West Bank. These settlements are considered a violation of international law, specifically the fourth Geneva convention and the Rome statute, which deem the colonization of occupied territories a war crime.

The issue has reached Dutch prosecutors, who are reviewing a criminal complaint against Booking.com's main operating arm, headquartered in the Netherlands. The complaint argues that settlement-linked bookings may constitute money laundering under Dutch law due to the illegal nature of the settlements.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has also weighed in, confirming the illegality of the settlements and stating that governments and organizations should not recognize their legality. Despite this, Israel argues that the Geneva conventions do not apply to the West Bank, citing the lack of internationally recognized sovereignty before the 1967 war.

Airbnb, another travel company, has faced similar controversies. After initially committing to removing settlement listings in 2018, they reversed the decision due to legal challenges. Booking.com, meanwhile, introduced settlement labeling in 2022, advising guests to consult government advisories.

The Sbeih family's legal battles in Israeli courts have been unsuccessful, with their land seized for 'national security' reasons. The family's access to their former property is now restricted due to movement controls imposed during the Gaza war in 2023.

This situation highlights the complex interplay between tourism, international law, and human rights. While Booking.com and Airbnb may argue that they are neutral platforms, their listings in illegal settlements raise ethical questions and legal challenges, impacting the lives of families like the Sbeihs.