Meta Profits from Israeli Settlements, Demolitions, and Gaza Fundraisers — Al Jazeera Investigation Reveals
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is under fire after an Al Jazeera investigation found it platformed—and profited from—over 100 paid ads promoting illegal Israeli settlements, home demolitions, and even weapons fundraisers for Israeli soldiers in Gaza.
This isn't just an ethics issue. Legal experts say Meta may be complicit in violations of international law.
Let’s break it down. 👇
🏠 Facebook Ads Selling Homes in Occupied Palestine
Al Jazeera discovered at least 52 real estate ads posted by Israeli developers marketing homes in illegal West Bank settlements like Ariel, Ma’ale Adumim, and Efrat.
These aren’t small listings. One promoted an 8-bedroom mansion with a Jacuzzi, sauna, pool, and desert views, calling it “A dream home just 20 minutes from Jerusalem!”
But here’s the reality:
These settlements are built on stolen Palestinian land and are illegal under international law, specifically the Rome Statute and Fourth Geneva Convention.
🔎 Professor Aoife O’Donoghue, Queen’s University Belfast:
“Whether they have the legal title to sell that land at all would be highly questionable… if the Israeli government is facilitating it, and they are settlements, then they would be in violation of the Third Geneva Convention.”
🔥 Facebook Also Promoted Calls to Demolish Palestinian Homes
Even worse, 50 additional ads came from Regavim, a far-right settler group co-founded by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.
These ads celebrated the demolition of Palestinian schools and called for bulldozing children’s parks and homes.
One ad read:
“Following our petition, Civil Administration forces tore down an illegal Palestinian school built in the Herodian Nature Reserve.”
Another demanded the removal of a Palestinian water park:
“Palestinians are enjoying themselves at our expense.”
⚠️ Regavim is funded by the Israeli government and has been sanctioned by the US and UK.
💬 British MP Brian Leishman called it out:
“Extremely concerning… these ads may be promoting what could be seen as illegal under international law.”
🎯 Fundraisers for Israeli Soldiers… in Gaza?
It doesn’t stop at settlements. Meta also approved ads that fundraise directly for Israeli military units in Gaza—even after a ceasefire.
Israeli singer Mayer Malik paid for ads requesting donations for sniper tripods, drones, and night-vision goggles for troops operating in Jabalia and Rafah.
One ad openly said:
“We urgently need shooting tripods to complete our mission in Jabalia.”
👁 Professor Neve Gordon, Queen Mary University:
“By allowing third parties to post such ads, Facebook becomes complicit… they whitewash, normalise, and legitimise acts that… are egregious crimes.”
Meta’s ad policy explicitly bans promoting weapons or accessories—but these posts are still live.
⚖️ Is Meta Breaking International Law?
Under international law, platforms cannot aid, assist, or profit from war crimes or occupation. Yet Meta continues to accept payments, run ads, and profit off content tied to:
- Illegal land grabs
- Demolitions of Palestinian schools
- Fundraisers for soldiers in an active genocide
💬 Brian Leishman again:
“Everyone is under an obligation not to recognise, aid or assist in maintaining the illegal occupation of Palestinian territory – social media giants are not exempt or above the law.”
🤯 Meta’s Response? Vague at Best
Meta told Al Jazeera:
“Some of the ads have been removed for violating our social issues, elections, and politics policies.”
But they didn’t clarify whether promoting illegal settlements or military operations breaks any rules.
👩💻 Carolina Are, platform governance expert:
“The real estate ads have been expertly framed as standard property listings, allowing them to elude moderation.”
📢 Why This Matters
Facebook isn’t just a neutral platform here. It’s:
- Hosting and promoting ads that enable war crimes
- Earning money from content that funds genocide
- Ignoring international law while Palestinians suffer
At a time when Palestinian voices are being censored, Meta is cashing in on war, apartheid, and occupation.
It’s time we hold them accountable.