Controversy: Meta profits from ads promoting Israeli settlements on Facebook
Facebook Under Fire for Allowing Ads Promoting Illegal Settlements and Extremist Views in West Bank
A recent investigation by Al Jazeera revealed that Facebook has been allowing the promotion of illegal settlements and extremist views in the West Bank through paid advertisements. More than 100 ads were found to be promoting the demolition of Palestinian homes, schools, and playgrounds, as well as soliciting donations for Israeli military units operating in Gaza.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, admitted that some of the ads were removed for violating social issues, elections, and political policies. However, the promotion of illegal settlements built on stolen Palestinian territory did not violate these standards. Legal experts have raised concerns that Meta could be complicit in international law violations by accepting and publishing these ads.
The ads identified by Al Jazeera include real estate companies advertising property sales in illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank. These ads targeted users in the UK, the United States, and Israel, with some ads still active on Facebook. The companies behind these ads have been profiting from the sale of properties in these settlements, contributing to the ongoing expansion of illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
In addition to promoting illegal settlements, Facebook has also allowed ads calling for the demolition of Palestinian homes, schools, and a water park. Donation ads for Israeli military units operating in Gaza, even after a ceasefire was declared, have also been published on the platform. Legal experts warn that these ads could be in violation of international humanitarian law by encouraging military operations in occupied territories.
Critics have called on Facebook to take responsibility for allowing these ads to be published and to enforce stricter policies against promoting illegal settlements and extremist views. The company’s role in facilitating the promotion of illegal activities in the West Bank has raised concerns among lawmakers and human rights advocates, with calls for greater accountability and transparency in the company’s advertising practices.
