A group of Palestinians have filed a lawsuit for $34.5 billion against several US-based tycoons, charities and firms over their support of Israel’s settlements on the occupied territories of the West Bank, media reported.
According to the Al Jazeera broadcaster, Palestinian activist Bassem Tamimi and 35 other Palestinians accused on Monday Las Vegas casino magnate Sheldon Adelson, philanthropist with interest in property in East Jerusalem Irving Moskowitz, megachurch pastor John Hagee and some other entities of financing the construction of Israeli settlements on the occupied territories.
The lawsuit also names such companies as Dead Sea-based cosmetics maker Ahava, industrial powerhouse Israel Chemicals Limited, as well as religious charity Christian Friends of Israeli Communities, according to the broadcaster.
No comments from their offices have been received.
According to lawyers quoted by the outlet, the suit filed in the Federal District Court of Washington, DC will lead to a trial no earlier than in five years.
In the long-standing conflict between Israel and Palestine, Palestinians seek recognition of their independent state, proclaimed in 1988, on the territories of West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip.
Most of the areas claimed by the State of Palestine were seized by Israel in 1967 during the Six-Day War. The Israeli government refuses to recognize Palestine as an independent political and diplomatic entity. Israel has continued to build settlements in the occupied territories, prompting condemnation from the United Nations.
