MADRID: 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 military campaign in 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 “normalize 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.
Most of the international community considers Israeli settlements in the West Bank illegal under international law, while Israel views them as largely legal.
Spain recognized a Palestinian state in 2024 and has become one of the most outspoken European critics of Israel’s actions in Gaza, launched after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks in southern Israel.
Spain seeks removal of ads for rentals in Israeli settlements
https://arab.news/puf4v
Spain seeks removal of ads for rentals in Israeli settlements
- The consumer affairs ministry identified 138 listings on platforms operating in Spain and notified the companies to “immediately remove or block” the content
DCO and Arab News partner to combat digital misinformation, explore AI’s impact on media
KUWAIT CITY: The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) and the international Saudi newspaper Arab News have signed a Letter of Engagement aimed at strengthening knowledge and expertise exchange on the impact of artificial intelligence in the media sector, as well as leveraging expert insights to develop best practices to combat online misinformation amid accelerating technological advancements.
DCO said this step aligned with its efforts to strengthen collaboration with international media institutions to support responsible dialogue around digital transformation and contribute to building a more reliable, inclusive, and sustainable digital media environment.
Commenting on the agreement, Deemah AlYahya, Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization, said: “At a moment when AI is reshaping how truth is produced, distributed, and trusted, partnership with credible media institutions is essential.”
She added that “working with Arab News allows us to bridge technology and journalism in a way that protects integrity, strengthens public trust, and elevates responsible innovation. This collaboration is about equipping media ecosystems with the tools, insight, and ethical grounding needed to navigate AI’s impact, while ensuring digital transformation serves people and their prosperity.”
Faisal J. Abbas, Editor-in-Chief of Arab News, emphasized that the partnership enhances media institutions’ ability to keep pace with technological shifts, noting that engagement with representatives of DCO Member States enables deeper understanding of emerging technologies and regulatory developments in the digital space.
He added: “DCO’s commitment to initiatives addressing online content integrity reflects a clear dedication to supporting a responsible digital environment that serves societies and strengthens trust in the digital ecosystem.”
The Letter of agreement was signed on the sidelines of the Fifth DCO General Assembly held in Kuwait City under the theme “Inclusive Prosperity in the Age of AI”, alongside the second edition of the International Digital Cooperation Forum, held from 4–5 February, which brought together ministers, policymakers, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and civil society representatives from more than 60 countries to strengthen international cooperation toward a human-centric, inclusive, and sustainable digital economy.
