An investigation by Al Jazeera has revealed that Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has allowed over 100 paid advertisements promoting illegal Israeli settlements and far-right settler activities in the occupied West Bank.
The findings raise concerns that the social media giant is profiting from content that may breach international law.
The ads include calls for the demolition of Palestinian homes, schools, and public spaces, as well as fundraising campaigns for Israeli military units operating in Gaza. Meta confirmed that it reviews all advertisements but admitted that some had been removed for violating platform policies. However, it did not clarify whether the promotion of settlements on occupied land breached its advertising standards.
Legal experts warn that Meta could be complicit in international law violations by accepting payment and publishing these advertisements. UK MP Brian Leishman described the revelations as "deeply troubling."
At least 52 paid ads were found promoting real estate sales in West Bank settlements, targeting buyers in Israel, the UK, and the US. These advertisements, posted by Israeli companies, have been running since March 2024. Some listings, written in Hebrew, showcased properties in settlements like Ariel, with one company—Ram Aderet—receiving financial backing from Israel’s First International Bank.
Further investigations identified 50 advertisements from Regavim, a far-right settler group linked to Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. The group has campaigned for the destruction of Palestinian infrastructure, including schools and playgrounds.
Meta also platformed fundraising ads for Israeli military units, with requests for sniper equipment, drones, and night-vision goggles for troops in Gaza. Legal scholars argue that such ads may violate international humanitarian law.
Critics say social media companies must take responsibility for the content they host, ensuring they do not facilitate or profit from activities violating global legal standards.
Source: Al Jazeera
BDST: 1049 HRS, APR 01, 2025
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