US retailers slammed over 'offensive' Israeli soldier, Arab nose costumes

US retail giants withdrew an Israeli soldier's costume for children and a fake "Arab" nose from sale ahead of Halloween, and conceded to the criticisms of civil liberties groups who called the outfits 'offensive and racist'.

The costumes were not listed on Wal-Mart's website Wednesday.

However, the controversial costumes were still being advertised Wednesday by other retailers, including Amazon and eBay.

Walmart on Tuesday had withdrawn both items, whereas E-bay only withdrew the "Arab" latex nose on Wednesday after leading Arab and Muslim groups in America demand their immediate withdrawal.

"We don't allow items that promote or glorify hatred, violence, racial, sexual, or religious intolerance," an eBay spokesperson told AFP by email.

But Amazon, currently, continues to list both costumes, and is selling the soldier's costume for $29.99. The outfit has a two-star rating and has attracted a slew of negative remarks on the website branding it "disgusting."

Amazon's website also advertises the "Sheik Fagin Nose" for $22.38 illustrated by a picture purportedly showing an Arab in a head dress with an oversized nose.

The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) welcomed Wal-Mart's decision to withdraw the costumes and joined other pressure groups in calling on other retailers to follow suit.

"The costumes are very problematic and offensive to many people," said ADC president Samer Khalaf, blaming the Israeli military for the death and occupation of Palestinians.

"Such a symbol of fear, violence and a long history of dispossession should not be used for entertainment purposes."

Campaign groups say the costumes are not only racist, but could fuel hate crimes against Arab-Americans.

The United States celebrates Halloween on Saturday when children dress up in costumes and go trick or treating. Adult costume parties are also popular nationwide.

Multiple children's military outfits are offered for Halloween, including a Navy SEAL costume -- the elite U.S. unit that killed Osama bin Laden in 2011.

Ibrahim Hooper, spokesman for the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) told AFP that it was an annual problem.

"It seems to be a perennial thing, that every year around this time, there is an offensive, racist Halloween costume that has to be challenged," he said.

"Given that Israeli soldiers are currently abusing Palestinian civilians and have been... I think it's very inappropriate to have this as a children's costume," he added.

ADC and CAIR welcomed Wal-Mart's decision, and joined the U.S. Palestinian Community Network (USPCN) to urge Amazon, eBay and Sears Marketplace to follow suit.

Amazon and eBay did not immediately respond to a request to comment.

Renewed violence in the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict has killed at least 60 Palestinians in the last three weeks.