Charity regulator probes charities on Israeli settlement aid

The Charity Commission, the regulator for charities in England and Wales, has launched a statutory inquiry into eight unnamed charities over allegations that charitable funds have been directed to support illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories. The investigation, announced on August 5, 2026, will examine how funds were used in the settlements, the purpose of that spending, and whether it advanced legitimate charitable purposes.

The regulator described the inquiry as a fact-finding exercise and stated there is no prior evidence of wrongdoing, which is why the charities have not been named. Officials cited potential risks to safety and security but said they will consider identifying the organizations when publishing a report at a later date. The investigation will also assess whether charitable assets or beneficiaries are at risk and if any regulatory action is required.

Stephen Roake, assistant director of high-risk compliance at the Charity Commission, emphasized that all charities must demonstrate they are delivering on their charitable purposes. He stated that serious allegations have been made about UK charities operating in illegal Israeli...