JERUSALEM: The Israeli cosmetics company Ahava is under increasing pressure over its role in the exploitation of the Dead Sea, with renewed allegations that it is committing war crimes by mining Palestinian-owned resources.

A report by the human rights group Al-Haq has found Israel is "openly in violation of its obligations as an occupying power" by granting financial benefits to settlements whose residents own 44.5 per cent of Ahava's shares and by licensing Ahava Dead Sea Laboratories.

Accused of exploiting natural resources ... Ahava. Above, a few of its products. Credit:Danielle Smith

"[Israel] is encouraging and facilitating the exploitation of Palestinian natural resources and actively assisting their pillaging by private actors and … they can be considered as primary perpetrators of the war crime of pillage," the report says.

At more than 400 metres below sea level, the Dead Sea is the Earth's lowest dry land point. It is also part of the world's most disputed territory.