JERICHO, West Bank, Dec 16, 2009 (AFP) - Palestinian customs officials on Wednesday 16 December dumped tens of thousands of dollars worth of Dead Sea beauty products into dumpsters as part of a boycott of goods made in Israeli settlements.

"This destruction ... is in keeping with the decision of the Palestinian leadership to prevent the import and sale of products produced in the settlements," local official Munthar Erakat said.

Officials set the value of the destroyed products, including shampoo, face cream and hand lotion made from the mineral-rich Dead Sea, at 55,000 dollars (38,000 euros).

Shopkeepers in the Palestinian oasis town of Jericho near the Dead Sea said local authorities had been raiding their stores in search of the products.

The products were manufactured by Dead Sea Cosmetics under their popular Ahava brand, which has been marketed by Kristin Davis, one of the stars of the TV show "Sex and the City."

The international community considers all Israeli settlements in the West Bank and east Jerusalem to be illegal, and the Palestinians view them as a major threat to the creation of a viable future state.