Pro-Palestinian international rights groups have filed a criminal complaint against Booking.com, linking the hotel reservation site to Israel’s occupation of the West Bank. The complaint alleges that Booking.com is profiting from “war crimes” by facilitating the rental of holiday homes built on land belonging to Palestinians. The European Legal Support Centre, Al-Haq, SOMO, and The Rights Forum are among the groups involved in the complaint, accusing Booking.com of money laundering.
The attorney on the case, Willem Jebbink, aims to stop Booking.com from profiting from international crimes and hopes this sets a precedent for other companies involved in illegal activities related to war crimes. Dr. Susan Power from Al-Haq highlighted companies exploiting Israel’s crimes against Palestinians for commercial profit. Despite their research findings, Booking.com has denied any illegal activity allegations.
This case comes in response to Palestinians witnessing their property being stolen and turned into profitable vacation homes. Rights groups and activists have long warned about operating on Palestinian land, citing support for settler colonialism and apartheid. With Israel continuing to approve new settlements in violation of international law, the fight against illegal practices on stolen land remains crucial.