Following the revelation by research undertaken by Melanie Ward MP that over the past five years 32 UK registered charities have sent £28 million to illegal settlements in the West Bank, yesterday’s commitment by the UK government to meet with the Charity Commission to discuss the issue, should be just the beginning.
As Melanie points out “Settlements and violent settlers devastate the chance of peace and a two-state solution. This is their purpose.” In line with international law, the UK considers settlements to be illegal and there is absolutely no reason for British charities to be funding settlements. Charitable donations are subject to tax relief, meaning the British taxpayer ends up paying the price for settlement activity in direct contravention of the UK’s foreign policy.
For years condemnations have proven to be ineffective, and the reality on the ground is worse than ever with Palestinians facing daily violence and annexation of Palestinian land underway. The government must do more than to commit to a meeting with the Charity Commission. It should immediately and unequivocally commit to cutting off this funding route to settlements through UK registered charities. Action to shift the current reality is in the interest of Israelis and Palestinians alike.
For more detail read article here.