Full Breakdown
UK Charities Under Scrutiny for Funding Illegal Israeli Settlements
6/10/2026, 8:50:12 PM
Allegations of Funding Illegal Settlements
Labour MP Melanie Ward has alleged that 32 charities registered in England and Wales have directed at least £28 million to Israeli settlements that are deemed illegal under international law. Ward’s complaint to the Charity Commission cites donations to the Bnei Akiva Yeshiva in Susya (£5.7 million), a yeshiva in Hebron, and £38,479 to Regavim, a pro-settler group sanctioned by the EU. She warns that, if Gift Aid were claimed on these contributions, UK taxpayers could have subsidised the settlements by £5.6 million.
Background & Legal Context
International bodies, including the United Nations and the International Court of Justice, consider Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories a breach of international law. UK charity law requires that charitable activities provide public benefit, and the Charity Commission oversees compliance. Gift Aid, a tax-relief scheme for charitable donations, may be applied only to activities that meet this public-benefit test.
Key Actors and Organizations
- Melanie Ward – Labour MP for Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy, former chief executive of Medical Aid for Palestinians.
- Yvette Cooper – Foreign Secretary, co-author of a letter to the Charity Commission requesting an investigation.
- Charity Commission – UK regulator, currently “carefully considering” the allegations.
- Kasner Charitable Trust (KCT) – Donor to schools in Susya and Hebron.
- UK Toremet – Platform processing JGive donations, linked to Regavim and alleged Artzenu campaigns.
- Regavim – Described by Ward as an extremist pro-settler group.
- Bnei Akiva Yeshiva – Recipient of £5.7 million in Susya.
Data & Statistics
- Total alleged donations to settlements: £28 million (over five years).
- Potential Gift Aid subsidy to settlements: £5.6 million.
- Specific contributions: £5.7 million to Bnei Akiva Yeshiva (Susya); £38,479 to Regavim (2022); additional undisclosed sums to a Hebron yeshiva.
Official Statements & Responses
The Foreign Secretary said no UK charity should support breaches of international law and that the Middle East minister, Hamish Falconer, would meet Charity Commission chief executive David Holdsworth to discuss the matter. The Charity Commission affirmed it is “actively considering” the complaints, noting concerns about public trust and the need for careful legal analysis. UK Toremet maintains its operations are compliant, stating it only processes JGive payments after due diligence and that Regavim donations were for projects within Israel’s pre-1967 borders. Kasner Charitable Trust asserts its donations were for education and cleared by the regulator.
Criticism & Opposition
Ward described the funding as “extremist” and “not of benefit to the UK public.” Palestinian-American activist Yaser Alkam argued that such donations “provide the means for these crimes to continue and to flourish.” Ward also claimed the Charity Commission had been aware of the issue since July 2025 but had taken no action.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Live donation page: Ward alleges UK Toremet hosts a live page for Artzenu; the charity denies any such page exists.
- Purpose of Regavim funding: UK Toremet says the grant was for a pre-1967 project; Ward labels Regavim an extremist group that destroys Palestinian homes.
- Regulatory remit: The Charity Commission does not investigate criminal matters, yet the allegations involve potential breaches of international law.
- Timeline of awareness: Ward asserts regulator knowledge since July 2025; the Commission’s statements reference only recent complaints.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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. Further, it risks being materially and financially used in pursuance of breaches of international law.” — Melanie Ward, MP
- “Yaser Alkam, a Palestinian-American who lives in the occupied West Bank village of Turmus Ayya, and who was attacked by settlers last year while trying to harvest his olives, said: “Donating to these outposts and to these settlements is directly affecting Palestinians, the owners of the land in these areas.” — Yaser Alkam, Palestinian-American activist
- “because no UK charity should be supporting or enabling these breaches of international law” — Yvette Cooper, Foreign Secretary
- “There is no live campaign page to Artzenu through which UK Toremet would accept donations,” — UK Toremet spokesperson
- “A spokesperson for the regulator said: “We share with government a concern about the potential impact, including on public trust and confidence, of registered charities being seen to actively assist in the development or expansion of illegal settlements in Palestine.” — Charity Commission spokesperson
What’s Next
Middle East minister Hamish Falconer is scheduled to meet Charity Commission chief executive David Holdsworth to discuss possible investigative steps. The regulator’s forthcoming decision will determine whether any of the 32 charities face removal from the register or other sanctions, and will shape public confidence in the charitable sector’s adherence to international law.
