UK Charity Regulator Investigates Donations to Illegal Israeli Settlements

The UK Charity Commission has opened a statutory inquiry into eight British charities to examine how funds sent to illegal Israeli settlements in Palestine were used and whether they fulfill charitable purposes. The regulator indicated it plans to expand the scope to additional charities over time. The probe follows complaints and reports of millions of pounds sent to illegal settlements as well as events held in London advertising settlement properties. Labour MP Abtisam Mohamed welcomed the inquiries but called for an urgent expansion to investigate at least 32 implicated organizations to align with international law.

// Background

The Charity Commission previously ruled that raising funds or sending money to Israeli army soldiers is unlawful for UK charities. Since October 2023, the commission has opened more than 200 regulatory cases related to the war on Gaza. Prior actions include examining complaints against AAC over equipment donations to Gaza soldiers and investigating the Boys Clubhouse in London. The latest inquiry was prompted by a London synagogue hosting an event promoting properties in illegal settlements, leading to a formal complaint from the International Centre of Justice for Palestinians.

// Key Developments

• The UK Charity Commission launched an inquiry into eight unnamed British charities donating funds to illegal Israeli settlements.
• Assistant Director Stephen Roake stated the regulator's first step is fact-finding to assess regulatory compliance and draft future guidance.
• Labour MP Abtisam Mohamed urged the commission to expand the investigation to at least 32 charities linked to illegal settlements.
• The probe follows formal complaints regarding a London event advertising properties in illegal West Bank and East Jerusalem settlements.
• The regulator previously ruled it unlawful for UK charities to fund Israeli soldiers and has opened over 200 Gaza war-related cases since October 2023.