Human rights groups in the Netherlands have filed a criminal complaint against Booking.com, alleging that the company profited from listings in illegal Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, which is considered a war crime. Despite international law deeming such settlements illegal, Booking.com continued to list properties in these areas, with Dutch NGO SOMO identifying 70 properties listed between 2021 and 2023.
The complaint, filed by organizations including the European Legal Support Centre and Al Haq, accuses Booking.com of violating anti-money laundering rules and supporting a system of settler-colonialism and apartheid. Booking.com, however, has denied the allegations, stating that there are no laws prohibiting listings in these settlements and pointing out US state laws that would prohibit divesting from the region.
Efforts by activists, human rights groups, and concerned employees within Booking.com to address the company’s operations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories have been ignored. The situation underscores the challenges in holding companies accountable for their involvement in illegal activities.
Booking.com’s response highlights a broader issue regarding the legal scrutiny faced by companies profiting from violations of international law. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for corporate accountability and human rights in conflict zones.