As Israel deploys tanks in the West Bank for the first time in 20 years, we reveal how two of the world’s biggest travel companies are helping settlers commercialise stolen land

The villa is stunning. The private swimming pool; the lush, landscaped terrace with firepit; the long dining table with its expansive balcony view; the pingpong table; the piano. But the jewel in the crown, according to the Airbnb listing, is the experience of watching the sun rise over the nearby mountains from the luxury of the generous master bedroom.

The villa with views of the Judean mountains is in a settlement located on land seized from Palestinians and considered illegal under international humanitarian law. Only a handful of Palestinians are allowed to enter this, and other, Israeli settlements in the West Bank, usually as labourers with special permits.

Exclusive analysis carried out by the Guardian found 760 rooms being advertised in hotels, apartments and other holiday rentals in illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, on two of the world’s most popular tourism websites.

  • gedaliyah@lemmy.worldEnglish
    1·
    4 hours ago

    Great, what would that look like? Other than buzz words, what specific policies would you like to see changed?

    Presently Israel is about 20% Palestinians, who have passports, study and teach in the same universities, vote, serve in the government, serve in the highest levels of the Judiciary, have guaranteed rights to practice their religion freely, educate children in their family’s language, etc. Please let me know if you would like sources for any of this. I’m happy to provide them.