🛒 Etsy's Profits Tied to Illegal Settlements
Etsy, the popular US e-commerce platform, is profiting from businesses operating in illegal Israeli settlements. A new report by the Institute for Journalism and Social Change (IJSC), Global Justice Now, and War on Want reveals that as of July 2024, there are at least 44 Etsy stores in these settlements, all illegal under international law. Etsy earns revenue when these stores list and sell items, increasing its profits. With hundreds of other sellers simply listed as “Israel,” the actual number of settlement-based stores could be much higher.
📍 Settlements in Ariel and Maale Adumim
The report identifies 14 stores in Ariel, one of the largest settlements in the West Bank, and 9 in Maale Adumim. Ariel’s mayor recently blocked access to the neighboring Palestinian city of Salfit, while Maale Adumim has been under scrutiny due to plans to expand the settlement further. These actions displace Palestinians, adding to the region's instability and violence. The presence of these stores on Etsy connects the company directly to these controversial actions.
🚨 Legal and Ethical Implications
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) declared in July 2024 that Israel's settlement policies and its presence in the occupied Palestinian territory (OPT) violate international law. The ICJ urged states to avoid economic or trade dealings with Israel concerning the OPT. Etsy’s operations could violate anti-money laundering laws, especially in Ireland, where its subsidiary, Etsy Ireland UC, operates. Similar allegations are being investigated in the Netherlands against Booking.com.
⚠️ Calls for Accountability
Human rights groups are calling out Etsy for its involvement in these illegal settlements. Nick Dearden of Global Justice Now accuses the company of profiting from the “human misery” inflicted on Palestinians. Neil Sammonds from War on Want emphasized that Etsy’s actions contribute to war crimes and apartheid. Major organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have classified Israel as an apartheid state, making Etsy’s complicity even more serious. These groups demand immediate action from the company to stop its involvement in these illegal activities.
Is Etsy complicit in war crimes through its settlement ties?
