The Charity Commission for England and Wales has initiated an investigation into the financial contributions made by UK charities to illegal Israeli settlements in Palestine. This inquiry follows a formal complaint by Labour MP Melanie Ward, who highlighted significant donations that contravene international law.
Investigation Details
The regulator’s inquiry aims to ascertain the scale of charitable funding directed towards these settlements and evaluate whether such spending aligns with the charities’ stated purposes. The investigation will initially focus on eight unnamed charities, as reported by the Guardian, which previously revealed that two UK charities had funneled approximately £5.7 million to the Bnei Akiva Yeshiva high school in the Israeli-occupied region of Susya.
In her complaint, Ward indicated that at least 32 charities in England and Wales had collectively donated around £28 million to illegal settlements. The Charity Commission’s investigation is seen as a direct response to these allegations.
Regulatory Oversight
Stephen Roake, assistant director of high-risk compliance at the Charity Commission, remarked on the seriousness of the allegations, stating, “Our first step is to establish the facts. Only then can we determine if regulatory action is required.” He emphasised the need for clear regulatory guidance to maintain public trust in charitable organisations.
The inquiry was also prompted by comments from the former foreign secretary, Yvette Cooper, who expressed concerns in Parliament regarding the misuse of charity systems to support illegal settlements. Cooper noted that some evidence suggested existing rules may be violated and highlighted the risk of UK gift aid being improperly channelled to these settlements.
Political Reactions
Ward, alongside 140 Labour colleagues, has called for an outright ban on such donations rather than a mere investigation. She pointed out that the Charity Commission had been aware of the issue since July last year yet had taken no significant action until now. The regulator has indicated that it might expand the investigation to include more charities as new information comes to light.
In a recent development, the Metropolitan Police’s war crimes unit stated that it is not currently conducting any investigations into charities related to donations to illegal settlements. However, the Charity Commission has shared information about the inquiry’s scope with law enforcement and HMRC.
Broader Context
The investigation comes on the heels of revelations that a British charity, Friends of Yeshivat Shavei Hevron, had sent nearly £200,000 to a religious school integral to expansion plans for an illegal Israeli settlement in Hebron. The approval of a new dormitory for the school has raised further concerns, especially as it was granted after Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich unilaterally altered long-standing agreements regarding control over Hebron.
Labour MP Abtisam Mohamed has welcomed the investigation but insists that the Charity Commission must act swiftly to address the funding of illegal settlements, labelling such activities as extremist and harmful to Palestinian communities.
Why it Matters
This investigation represents a crucial step in holding charities accountable for their financial activities and ensuring compliance with international law. With significant public funds potentially supporting illegal settlements, the outcomes of this inquiry could reshape the landscape of charitable giving in the UK and enhance scrutiny of how donations are utilised abroad. The commitment to transparency and regulatory diligence is vital in safeguarding the integrity of the charitable sector while addressing broader geopolitical implications.
