Image Credits - The New Indian Express
An investigation by a coalition of human rights organizations and independent journalists has revealed a network of private donors from the United States and Israel to several far-right groups. These groups helped organize blockades and protests against aid transfers to the besieged Gaza Strip.
According to the report, millions of dollars have been directed to these organizations in recent years. The funds were used to support various efforts to prevent humanitarian efforts, including the logistics of blockades, the legal defence of detained members and extensive lobbying.
Prominent groups identified in the report include the Israeli organizations Lehava and Regavim, both known for their hardline stances against Palestinian rights and all aid entering Gaza. These groups have been at the forefront of efforts to block the delivery of food, medical supplies and other essential aid to Gaza for security and political reasons.
In particular, Lehava actively protested at checkpoints and border crossings, which often led to conflicts with Israeli security forces and humanitarian workers. Regavim has focused its efforts on legal challenges, filing numerous lawsuits to stop aid transfers and construction projects in Gaza, arguing that they violate Israel’s sovereignty and security.
The study traced significant donations from wealthy American individuals and organizations to these groups, many of which are associated with the conservative and Zionist movements. Notable donors include several prominent business figures and charitable foundations known for their support of Israel’s right wing.
In Israel, donations came from a variety of sources, including individuals, religious institutions, and political committees. These donations are often facilitated through crowdfunding platforms and nonprofits that offer tax-deductible status to donors.
The revelations drew sharp criticism from international human rights organizations and political leaders. Critics argue that financial support for these groups undermines humanitarian efforts and exacerbates the suffering of Gaza’s civilian population, which is already suffering under a severe blockade imposed by Israel and Egypt since 2007.
“The flow of money to these extremist groups is deeply disturbing and undermines the achievement of peace and stability in the region,” said Kenneth Roth, former director of Human Rights Watch. “Blocking humanitarian aid to Gaza will only exacerbate the humanitarian crisis and fuel tensions.”
The investigation resulted in calls to action in both the United States and Israel. Several US lawmakers have called for a review of tax exemptions for organizations that fund far-right activities in Israel, suggesting that these donations may violate US terrorism and support for violence laws.
In Israel, some political figures have called for an increase in donations to NGOs and stricter rules to prevent the funds from being used to block humanitarian aid. “We must ensure that our financial systems are not used to support activities that harm our security and international reputation,” said one Knesset member.