A recent investigation has revealed that 32 charities based in England and Wales have allegedly contributed over £28 million to Israeli settlements deemed illegal under international law. Labour MP Melanie Ward has called for the Charity Commission to launch an inquiry into these organisations, highlighting the potential misuse of taxpayer money in supporting activities that undermine peace efforts in the region.
Charitable Contributions and Legal Concerns
In a letter to the Charity Commission, Ward, who previously led Medical Aid for Palestinians, expressed her deep concern regarding the financial support provided by these charities to Israeli settlements. She warned that if gift aid had been claimed on these donations, it would equate to an unwarranted taxpayer subsidy of approximately £5.6 million to these settlements, a situation she described as “deplorable.”
The Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, has since announced that the Charity Commission will investigate the links between UK charities and these settlements, which are widely recognised as a significant barrier to peace in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Ward’s letter urged the regulator to take action against these charities, suggesting they be removed from the charity register altogether.
Notable Charities and Controversial Donations
Among the charities highlighted in Ward’s correspondence are the Kasner Charitable Trust and UK Toremet. These organisations reportedly funneled around £5.7 million to the Bnei Akiva Yeshiva high school in Susya, a settlement located in the occupied West Bank. Research conducted by Ward’s team indicated that Kasner had also made donations to a yeshiva in Hebron, while UK Toremet contributed £38,479 to Regavim, an extremist group known for advocating the demolition of Palestinian homes—an organisation that has faced European Union sanctions for its activities.
UK Toremet has defended its actions, stating that it ensures compliance with the law and only processes donations for projects that align with charitable purposes. A spokesperson claimed that donations to Regavim were for a project within Israel’s pre-1967 borders and that the organisation is no longer an approved recipient.
Responses from Palestinian Voices
Palestinian-American resident Yaser Alkam, who lives in the occupied village of Turmus Ayya, has shared his distress over these donations, especially after experiencing violence from settlers while harvesting olives last year. He remarked, “Donating to these outposts and to these settlements is directly affecting Palestinians, the owners of the land in these areas. You’re providing the means for these crimes to continue and to flourish.”
The Charity Commission has acknowledged the gravity of the concerns raised by Ward, stating that it is carefully assessing the situation. A spokesperson indicated that they are considering the complex legal and compliance issues surrounding charities operating in Palestine, a matter that necessitates thorough examination.
The Wider Implications
The ongoing scrutiny of these charities raises important questions about the role that UK organisations play in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. With the international community increasingly vigilant about the implications of funding illegal settlements, the actions of these charities could have far-reaching consequences.
Why it Matters
The allegations surrounding these charities underscore a broader issue regarding the intersection of humanitarian aid and international law. As the world grapples with the humanitarian crisis in Palestine, the potential for UK taxpayer money to unwittingly support illegal settlements highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability within the charitable sector. The investigation by the Charity Commission could mark a pivotal moment in addressing these concerns, shaping the future landscape of charity funding and its impact on international relations.
