Israel Targets UK Charities Over BDS Activities
Israel’s Ministry for Diaspora Affairs has issued a letter recommending that UK charities, aid organisations and BDS campaign groups be denied entry to Israel. The move follows a UK trade ban on Israeli settlements and has drawn condemnation from British NGOs and MPs. Israel has also barred several…
By Felo News Desk · Published
On 8 September, the Israeli Ministry for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism released a letter that singled out a range of British charities, aid organisations and pro‑Palestinian campaign groups for potential exclusion from Israel. The document, which was obtained by Al Jazeera, names organisations such as Oxfam, Islamic Relief Worldwide, Save the Children, Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP), the Norwegian Refugee Council, the Palestine Solidarity Campaign and Friends of Al‑Aqsa. It also lists the proscribed group Palestine Action.
Context: The UK Trade Ban and Israeli Retaliation
The letter was issued on the same day the United Kingdom announced a ban on imports from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. Israel’s Foreign Ministry had earlier warned the UK that it could face "consequences" for what it described as hostile moves. In response to the trade ban, Israel barred 11 British Members of Parliament, including Jeremy Corbyn, Diane Abbott and Naz Shah, as well as lawyer Fahad Ansari, from entering the country. The Israeli government also closed the British consulate in Jerusalem and removed British staff from the International Gaza Support Centre in Kiryat Gat. Additionally, Israel ended British training of Palestinian Authority forces in the West Bank.
What the Letter Accuses
The leaked letter accuses the listed organisations of a range of activities that Israel claims undermine its security. These include:
- Advocating for engagement with Hamas to secure humanitarian access.
- Demanding an arms embargo against Israel.
- Maintaining ties to the Muslim Brotherhood or working with "terrorist" organisations.
- Describing Israel’s actions in Gaza as "deliberate starvation" and "genocide".
- Promoting direct action aimed at damaging the Israeli defence industry.
For example, the letter cites Friends of Al‑Aqsa’s founder Ismail Patel for participating in anti‑Israel demonstrations in London and for making "harsh statements against Israel" in public appearances. It also names two MAP staff members who have received humanitarian medals from King Charles, implying a link to terrorism.
Reactions from British NGOs and Politicians
British charities and advocacy groups have condemned the letter as a threat to free speech and humanitarian work. A spokesperson for Save the Children said the organisation is already struggling to secure visas for staff who need to cross Israeli‑controlled borders into Gaza or the West Bank. MAP described the letter as part of a broader set of restrictions that have intensified since the Gaza war began, affecting the entry of food, medicine, foreign volunteer doctors and other humanitarian workers.
Palestine Action co‑founder Huda Ammori called the letter proof that the group was never banned for terrorism. "Our activity has always focused on damaging the Israeli defence industry," she said. She added that the letter confirms the group’s purpose and that it should not be seen as a threat to Israel.
Broader Implications for International Aid and BDS Campaigns
Israel’s actions come amid a growing global debate over the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement. The country’s Ministry for Diaspora Affairs is effectively warning that participation in BDS‑aligned activities could lead to travel restrictions. Meanwhile, UK Lawyers for Israel has urged the British government to consider proscribing Doctors Without Borders (MSF) as a terrorist organisation, citing alleged links between MSF staff and Palestinian armed groups. MSF has denied the allegations, describing them as part of a long‑running disinformation campaign.
These developments highlight a broader trend of governments using diplomatic and legal tools to curb what they perceive as anti‑state activism. The UK’s trade ban and Israel’s retaliatory measures illustrate how economic and political disputes can quickly spill over into the realm of civil society and humanitarian work.
As the situation evolves, the international community watches closely to see whether Israel’s threats of "consequences" will translate into concrete actions that limit the movement of aid workers and activists. The outcome could set a precedent for how states respond to criticism from foreign NGOs and BDS supporters.
For now, the British charities and campaign groups remain defiant. "Israeli restrictions will not intimidate us," Patel told Al Jazeera. The next steps will likely involve legal challenges, diplomatic negotiations, and continued advocacy from the affected organisations.
What Happens Next?
Israel has not yet taken any formal action to bar the named groups, but the letter signals a potential shift in policy. The UK government may need to engage with Israeli officials to protect the rights of its citizens and organisations. Meanwhile, NGOs will likely seek to secure alternative routes and support to continue their work in the region.
As the conflict in Gaza continues, the international community must balance security concerns with the need for humanitarian assistance and freedom of expression. The unfolding events underscore the fragility of diplomatic relations when economic sanctions intersect with political activism.
Key facts
- Israel’s Ministry for Diaspora Affairs recommends barring UK charities and BDS groups from entering Israel
- The letter coincides with the UK’s trade ban on Israeli settlements and Israel’s retaliatory travel restrictions
- UK NGOs and MPs have condemned the letter as a threat to free speech and humanitarian work
- Israel’s actions reflect a broader strategy to counter the BDS movement and other anti‑state activism
- The situation could set a precedent for how states respond to criticism from foreign NGOs
Why it matters
The letter shows how governments can use travel bans and diplomatic pressure to silence criticism and restrict humanitarian work, raising questions about the limits of free speech and aid in conflict zones.
Frequently asked questions
What organisations are named in the Israeli letter?
Oxfam, Islamic Relief Worldwide, Save the Children, Medical Aid for Palestinians, Norwegian Refugee Council, Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Friends of Al‑Aqsa, and Palestine Action.
Why did Israel ban UK MPs?
In response to the UK’s trade ban on Israeli settlements, Israel barred 11 MPs and a lawyer for what it described as hostile actions.
What is the status of the UK charities’ travel restrictions?
The letter signals potential future bans, but no formal travel restrictions have yet been imposed.
Sources
- [1] aljazeera.com — originally reported as “UK charities, protest groups: Israeli ban threat ‘will not intimidate us’”
