Spain demands seven online platforms remove over 100 vacation rental ads in Israeli-occupied territories, citing illegal settlement normalisation.
MADRID: Spain’s government has ordered seven online platforms to remove more than 100 listings for vacation rentals in Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories.
The consumer affairs ministry identified 138 listings on platforms operating in Spain. It has notified the companies to “immediately remove or block” the content.
Failure to comply could lead to further government action, a statement said without specifying the consequences.
The move is part of measures adopted by Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s government backing Palestinians. It also condemns Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
A decree approved by lawmakers in October includes an arms embargo on Israel. It also bans advertising products “coming from illegal colonies in Gaza and the West Bank”.
Consumer Affairs Minister Pablo Bustinduy (pic) said the listings help “normalise and perpetuate a colonial regime considered illegal under international law”.
Most of the international community considers Israeli settlements in the West Bank illegal under international law. Israel views them as largely legal.
Spain recognised a Palestinian state in 2024. It has become one of the most outspoken European critics of Israel’s actions in Gaza, launched after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks.
