Charity Commission to investigate donations to illegal Israeli settlements
Summary
The Charity Commission in England and Wales has started an official investigation into charities that may have donated money to Israeli settlements considered illegal under international law. The inquiry will focus on how much money went to these settlements, whether the funds were used properly, and if any regulatory actions are needed.Key Facts
- The investigation was triggered by reports that UK charities gave at least £28 million to illegal Israeli settlements.
- The Charity Commission’s initial inquiry will focus on eight charities, with plans to include more over time.
- The inquiry aims to gather facts and may lead to new rules to ensure charities act transparently and follow the law.
- An earlier report showed two UK charities transferred around £5.7 million to a high school in an Israeli-occupied area.
- British politicians, including Labour MPs, have called for a full ban on donations to illegal settlements rather than just an investigation.
- The Charity Commission has shared information with police and tax authorities, but police are not currently investigating any charities.
- The investigation responds to a formal complaint by Labour MP Melanie Ward and concern expressed by then Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper.
- A British charity funded a religious school linked to expansion plans in the contested city of Hebron, where disputed building permits were recently approved.
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