UK charity regulator to investigate donations to illegal Israeli settlements
Areeb Ullah reports in Middle East Eye on 5 August 2026:
The UK’s charity regulator has launched an investigation into several British charities donating funds to illegal Israeli settlements in Palestine.
The Charity Commission said the probe will look into how funds were used in illegal settlements, the purpose of these funds and whether they fit charitable purposes.
Stephen Roake, assistant director of high-risk compliance at the Charity Commission, confirmed that the charity regulator would begin investigating eight unnamed charities.
“Serious allegations have been made about UK charities operating in illegal Israeli settlements in Palestine. Our first step is to establish the facts,” Roake said in a statement.
“Only then can we determine if regulatory action is required, based on our findings and the evidence we see. Our fact-finding will also help us develop regulatory guidance for charities, which will help to ensure public trust and confidence in charities.”