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UK Charity Commission probes £28m donations to Israeli settlements

8/6/2026

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Summary

Charity Commission Probes

UK Charity Commission opened an inquiry into eight charities over alleged donations to illegal Israeli settlements.
Labour MP Melanie Ward’s June complaint said 32 charities gave at least £28 million ($37.3 million) to settlement projects.
Earlier reporting showed two UK charities transferred about £5.7 million ($7.6 million) to the Bnei Akiva Yeshiva school in Susya.
Commission will share findings with police and HMRC and may name the charities.

Summary

Charity Commission Launches

The Charity Commission has launched a statutory class inquiry, a legal process that can examine multiple charities in a single proceeding.
Regulators say the fact-finding will inform new guidance aimed at rebuilding public trust in charities that operate overseas.
Assistant Director Stephen Roake emphasized that opening the inquiry is not a finding of wrongdoing and any action will depend on the evidence collected.

History

Historical Context

In 2005 the UK Charity Commission criticised Oxfam’s handling of the £300 million raised after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, finding 12 % undocumented and ordering a £5 million remediation. The scandal spurred the 2006 Charities Act, tightening reporting for all UK charities. Today’s inquiry into eight charities, led by Stephen Roake and MP Melanie Ward, reflects that legacy of demand for transparency.

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Charity Commission Probes

UK Charity Commission opened an inquiry into eight charities over alleged donations to illegal Israeli settlements.
Labour MP Melanie Ward’s June complaint said 32 charities gave at least £28 million ($37.3 million) to settlement projects.
Earlier reporting showed two UK charities transferred about £5.7 million ($7.6 million) to the Bnei Akiva Yeshiva school in Susya.
Commission will share findings with police and HMRC and may name the charities.

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