Full Breakdown
UK Charity Regulator Probes Donations to Illegal Israeli Settlements
8/6/2026, 8:13:47 PM
Core Investigation
The Charity Commission for England and Wales has opened a statutory class inquiry into eight unnamed charities suspected of channeling funds to Israeli settlements that are illegal under international law. The probe will assess how much money was sent, whether the spending aligns with each charity’s stated purposes, and whether regulatory action is required. The regulator has shared the scope of the inquiry with the Metropolitan Police’s war-crimes unit, HM Revenue & Customs and other authorities.
Background & Context
Earlier reporting revealed that two UK charities transferred roughly £5.7 million to the Bnei Akiva Yeshiva high school in the Susya settlement in the occupied West Bank. A separate investigation identified almost £200,000 sent by Friends of Yeshivat Shavei Hevron to a religious school in Hebron between 2019 and 2024. In June, Labour MP Melanie Ward lodged a formal complaint alleging that 32 charities in England and Wales had collectively donated at least £28 million to settlement-linked organisations. The complaint follows the UK government’s 2023 recognition of a Palestinian state and its public ban on supporting activities tied to Israeli settlements.
Data & Statistics
- £5.7 million transferred to Bnei Akiva Yeshiva (Susya).
- Nearly £200,000 transferred to the Hebron school (Friends of Yeshivat Shavei Hevron).
- Complaint by Ward cites 32 charities and a total of at least £28 million directed to settlement activities.
Official Statements & Responses
Stephen Roake, assistant director of high-risk compliance at the Commission, said the regulator’s first step is to “establish the facts” before deciding on any regulatory measures. The International Centre of Justice for Palestinians (ICJP) welcomed the inquiry, calling it “a long-overdue step.” The Metropolitan Police’s war-crimes unit confirmed it is not currently investigating any charities in relation to settlement donations.
Criticism & Opposition
Labour MP Abtisam Mohamed urged the Commission to investigate all 32 charities cited in the complaint and to act swiftly. Former prime minister Keir Starmer stated that “settlements are a flagrant breach of international law, and no UK charity should be supporting them.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the Charity Commission is conducting a formal inquiry, the Metropolitan Police’s war-crimes unit reports no active investigations, creating a gap between regulatory scrutiny and criminal enforcement. The identities of the eight charities under review remain undisclosed, and the Commission has indicated that additional charities may be added as evidence emerges.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Serious allegations have been made about UK charities operating in illegal Israeli settlements in Palestine. Our first step is to establish the facts,” — Stephen Roake, assistant director, high-risk compliance at the commission
- “Settlements are a flagrant breach of international law, and no UK charity should be supporting them.” — Keir Starmer, then-prime minister
What’s Next
The Commission plans to publish a detailed report once each stage of the class inquiry is completed and will consider naming the charities at that time. Ongoing coordination with police and HMRC suggests that any future regulatory or enforcement actions will be informed by the inquiry’s findings.
