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CAMPAIGNERS called on the government yesterday to investigate British charities suspected of facilitating international crimes in occupied Palestinian territory.
The International Centre of Justice for Palestinians (ICJP) has made a submission to the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) asking it to probe potential breaches made by registered charities.
The organisations highlighted include the British arm of the Jewish National Fund (JNF), which was originally set up in 1901 to buy land in Palestine.
The ICJP had already requested the attorney general to remove JNF’s charitable status in August, stating it is involved in funding Israeli military operations and illegal settlements.
The ICJP also called for a probe into UK Toremet, which “simplifies” donations to charities overseas.
ICJP had previously filed complaints alleging that the group could be violating international law by allowing three organisations – Im Tirtzu, Tzav 9 and Torat Lechima – which are involved in blocking and destruction of humanitarian aid en route to Gaza, to use the platform to raise funds.
The charity also facilitated donations to Hashomer Yosh, which claims to provide “security” for illegal settler outposts.
Hashomer Yosh was one of four organisations that the British government announced that it would sanction earlier this week, along with Od Yosef Chai Yeshiva, Torat Lechima and Amana.
It also announced sanctions against three illegal settler outposts.
But this covers only 1 per cent of all settlements, with the UN Office of the High Commission on Human Rights (OHCHR) estimating that there are around 300 in total.
ICJP Legal Officer Mira Naseer said: “The ICJ was clear that all Israeli settlements are illegal, not just three.
“The UK government’s decision simply doesn’t make sense under international law.
“Without addressing the root causes, including the reckless Israeli government ministers who encourage these settlements, there can be no meaningful change.
“And even closer to home, nothing has been done to cut off UK Gift Aid from registered ‘charities’ that fundraise for settlement organisations engaged in illegal activities.
“If the UK government is sanctioning these organisations, they must also take action against the complicit British groups that help finance them.”
