Spain seeks removal of ads for rentals in illegal Israeli settlements

Spain’s leftist government has ordered seven online platforms to remove more than 100 listings for vacation rentals in Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories.

The consumer affairs ministry said Tuesday it has identified 138 listings on platforms operating in Spain and notified the companies to "immediately remove or block" the content.

If they fail to comply, the platforms could face further government action, the statement said without specifying what the consequences would be.

The move is part of measures adopted by Socialist prime minister Pedro Sanchez's government backing Palestinians and condemning Israel’s war on Gaza.

A decree approved by lawmakers in October includes an arms embargo on Israel and a ban on the advertising of products "coming from illegal colonies in Gaza and the West Bank".

Consumer Affairs Minister Pablo Bustinduy said the listings help "normalise and perpetuate a colonial regime considered illegal under international law".

In October, France’s Human Rights League filed complaints against Airbnb and Booking.com, accusing them of promoting "occupation tourism" by featuring properties in settlements.