Israeli settlement-linked firms invest in Spain tourism
3 Min Read
Israeli funds tied to occupied settlements spark controversy with major investments in Spain's tourism sector.
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The Israeli settlement Fasayil Efraim is seen in the background of the site of the demolished tents and shacks of Palestinian bedouins on the outskirts of the West Bank town of Duma on Thursday, May 9, 2024. (AP)
Israeli investment funds are generating profits from activities linked to the occupation of Palestinian territories, redirecting these earnings into Spain's tourism sector, which is often criticized for its lenient regulations.
Nitsba Spain, a company predominantly owned by Airport City—an Israeli fund heavily invested in real estate developments on occupied Palestinian land—acquired Malaga's historic post office for around 24 million dollars (€23 million).
The company has sought permits to transform the property into a luxury hotel. A Spanish MP has urged the government to revoke the decision, citing violations of international law due to the involvement of a fund operating in occupied territories.
The MP emphasized that if the government fails to act within 30 to 40 days or delivers an unsatisfactory response, further efforts will be made to block the project.
Another key Israeli entity in Malaga's tourism industry is Leonardo Hotels, launched in Europe in 2007 by the Fattal Group and supported by significant funding from the BMR group, founded by "Israel's" current finance minister.
The Spanish MP noted that the coalition government has previously demonstrated a commitment to human rights, including warnings to Spanish businesses against collaborating with Israeli firms implicated in violations in Palestinian territories. The MP expects the government to uphold this position consistently.
“We have seen positive messages from the coalition government emphasizing respect for human rights, including actions such as warning Spanish companies doing business in Israel not to collaborate with Israeli firms involved in human rights violations in the occupied Palestinian territories," he said.
Read next: Jared Kushner could profit from expanded Israeli settlements: Report
Hind Rajab Foundation files case against IOF soldier in Spain
Last week, the Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF), a pro-Palestine advocacy group, filed a legal complaint in Barcelona, Spain, against an Israeli soldier, continuing its efforts to hold Israeli forces accountable for their genocidal actions in Gaza.
The Belgium-based HRF announced on Saturday that the complaint targets Mori Keisar of the Givati Brigade, accusing him of war crimes, violations of international law, and the targeting of Palestinian civilians in the besieged Gaza Strip.
Referred to him as “Sergeant A” in the statement, the HRF noted, “The actions of Sergeant A and his platoon demonstrate systematic violations of international humanitarian law, targeting civilians and protected infrastructure.”
The legal filing accuses the soldier of “genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes.”
HRF stressed it has extensive evidence of Sergeant A’s crimes between January and March 2024. These include using a civilian home in Gaza for military operations, firing a grenade launcher at a clearly marked UN school in Gaza City, demolishing two civilian homes in Khan Younis, and engaging in indiscriminate shooting at civilian homes while being cheered on by other soldiers.
The organization also reported that Sergeant A’s platoon forcibly displaced civilians in Gaza.
“The Hind Rajab Foundation urges Spanish authorities to take immediate action by investigating and detaining Sergeant A to ensure accountability for the atrocities committed,” the statement said.
HRF initiated legal proceedings against Keisar in partnership with the Palestinian Community in Catalonia, relying on evidence linking him to multiple war crimes.
