The United Nations’ human rights office reported Friday that more than 150 businesses, including four major online lodging platforms, are operating in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank that have been ruled unlawful by the highest court in the world.
Previously updated in 2023, the rights office’s list now comprises 158 names, including US companies Airbnb ABNB.O, Expedia, and TripAdvisor TRIP.O, as well as Netherlands-based Booking.com BV.
One of the new additions to the list is Heidelberg Materials AG HEIG.DE, a significant German cement manufacturer that told Reuters it was no longer operating in occupied Palestinian territory and that it had contested the listing. Seven businesses that were previously listed were removed.
The rights office identified ten actions that aroused specific human rights concerns, and all of the listed companies were involved in at least one of them. When Reuters reached out to the listed lodging platforms for comment, they did not immediately reply.
Citing biblical and historical connections to the West Bank, Israel contests the 2024 UN court decision, claiming that the contested area renders the Palestinian territory legally non-occupied. The majority of the world community adopts the UN’s position.
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