UK Charities Linked to Israeli Settlements Face Scrutiny Over Alleged Illegal Funding
Charities in England and Wales donate – MP Melanie Ward has revealed that 32 charities operating in England and Wales have funneled at least £28 million to Israeli settlements, which are classified as unlawful under international law. Ward, a Labour representative, argued that the use of gift aid mechanisms by these organizations effectively means UK taxpayers are indirectly funding the expansion of settlements in Palestine. This, she claimed, results in a £5.6 million subsidy to the settlements, a situation she called “deplorable.”
Charity Commission to Investigate Links to Settlements
Following Ward’s allegations, foreign secretary Yvette Cooper announced on Tuesday that the Charity Commission has been instructed to examine the connections between UK charities and Israeli settlements. Ward’s concerns were outlined in a letter to the commission, where she urged regulators to investigate the charities and potentially remove them from the official charity register. The letter emphasized that the continued growth of settlements in Palestine is a significant obstacle to peace, as recognized by global bodies.
“The existence and growth of Israeli settlements in the state of Palestine is globally recognised as one of the major impediments to peace. Any activity which supports the maintenance and the expansion of Israeli settlements – such as that funded by these 32 ‘charities’ – is extremist and not of benefit to the UK public.”
Among the charities cited in Ward’s letter are the Kasner Charitable Trust (KCT) and UK Toremet. The Guardian previously exposed that these two organizations, with UK Toremet acting as a intermediary, had collectively contributed around £5.7 million to the Bnei Akiva Yeshiva high school in Susya, located in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Ward’s team also found that KCT had supported a yeshiva in Hebron, a city in Palestinian-controlled territory. In 2022, UK Toremet donated £38,479 to Regavim, an ultra-right group that advocates for the destruction of Palestinian homes. The EU has sanctioned Regavim for its role in advancing settlement policies.
Ward highlighted that through the Jgive platform, which processes donations for UK Toremet, individuals can contribute to Regavim and other pro-settler groups like Shivat Zion Lerigvy Admata. The latter was recently targeted by the UK government for imposing sanctions. UK Toremet’s spokesperson defended the organization, stating that the Charity Commission had confirmed its compliance with UK law. They explained that donations were processed only after thorough checks and that all funded projects adhered to charitable standards.
However, Ward contested this view, asserting that funding settlements in Palestine does not align with either UK or international legal definitions of charitable activities. She cited the United Nations, successive UK governments, and the International Court of Justice as endorsing the stance that settlements constitute a violation of international law. The issue has also drawn attention from the International Criminal Court, which is investigating potential war crimes related to settlement expansion.
Impact on Palestinian Communities
Yaser Alkam, a Palestinian-American resident of the West Bank village of Turmus Ayya, shared his perspective on the matter. He described how settlers had attacked him last year while he was harvesting olives, underscoring the direct consequences of settlement support. “Donating to these outposts and to these settlements is directly affecting Palestinians, the owners of the land in these areas,” Alkam said. “You’re providing the means for these crimes to continue and to flourish.”
Ward’s report emphasized that the financial backing of settlements in Palestine is not merely symbolic but contributes to their persistence. She argued that the donations enable the construction and maintenance of settlements, which are widely seen as a breach of the Oslo Accords and other agreements. The settlements, located in the West Bank, are considered illegal under the 1967 borders, which are a key point of contention in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The Charity Commission has acknowledged the complexity of the issue, with a spokesperson stating that the organization is carefully reviewing the “serious matters” raised by Ward. “As we have previously confirmed, we are actively considering the wider legal and compliance issues relating to charities operating in Palestine,” the spokesperson added. “We know this is a complex and highly contentious issue and so it is right that we take the time needed to consider these matters fully.”
Context and Legal Framework
Settlements in Palestine have long been a focal point of international criticism. The United Nations and various human rights organizations have labeled them as occupying Palestinian land and violating the Fourth Geneva Convention. Ward’s allegations underscore the debate over whether charities can remain neutral when supporting entities that contribute to the expansion of these settlements. She pointed to the legal stance of the UK government, which has historically opposed settlement growth, as evidence of the issue’s gravity.
The investigation by the Charity Commission could lead to broader implications for UK charities. If settlements are deemed non-compliant with international law, their continued funding might be challenged under UK legislation. This could force organizations to re-evaluate their donation policies and partnerships. Ward’s letter to the commission also called for transparency, suggesting that some charities may have overlooked the legal status of their beneficiaries.
While UK Toremet maintains that its donations are compliant, Ward’s findings question this claim. She noted that the group’s support for Regavim, an entity under EU sanctions, appears to contradict the principle of charitable purpose. Regavim is known for its aggressive campaign to settle Israeli families in disputed areas, often at the expense of Palestinian communities. The spokesperson for UK Toremet clarified that Shivat Zion Lerigvy Admata was not an approved recipient in their grant-making framework and that the donation to Regavim was for a project within Israel’s pre-1967 borders. However, Ward argued that this distinction does not absolve the charities of supporting illegal settlement activity.
The case highlights a growing concern about the role of UK charities in funding policies that may conflict with international law. As the Charity Commission moves forward with its investigation, the debate over the legality of such donations is likely to intensify. For Palestinian residents like Yaser Alkam, the issue is personal and political, representing a tangible impact on their lives and land rights.
With the investigation ongoing, the UK government faces pressure to clarify its stance on settlement funding. The broader implications for charities could include stricter oversight, revised donation guidelines, or even the removal of certain organizations from the charity register. As the global community continues to scrutinize Israel’s settlement policies, the role of UK charities in this process will be a critical factor in shaping the narrative of support for these initiatives.
