Palestinian family's seized property listed on Booking.com

The Controversial Listing

A property in the Israeli settlement of Neve Daniel, which was once a farm owned by the Sbeih family, has been listed on Booking.com. The listing describes the property as having a garden and terrace with scenic surroundings, ideal for outdoor gatherings.

The Background of the Seizure

The Sbeih family's land was seized in 1982, and since then, they have been fighting legal battles to regain control. Mohammad al-Sbeih remembers his family's farm fondly, where three generations grew wheat and barley.

The Implications of the Listing

The listing on Booking.com has raised concerns about the company's involvement in profiting from occupied territories. A report by Ekō, a US-based advocacy group, found 41 Booking.com listings in 14 illegal Israeli settlements across the occupied West Bank.

The Legal and Ethical Concerns

The settlements involve the transfer of a civilian population into occupied territory, which is a violation of the fourth Geneva convention and the Rome statute. The International Court of Justice has confirmed the illegality of the settlements, stating that governments and organizations must not recognize their legality.

The Response from Booking.com

A Booking.com spokesperson stated that the company does not decide where people can or cannot travel, but they do monitor the situation closely and apply the principles outlined in their human rights statement.