An internal Israeli government document obtained by Al Jazeera indicates that Israeli authorities compiled information on more than 150 international charities in 2013, including assessments of their perceived positions on the Israel-Palestine conflict and alleged links to the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement.
The document, described as a government spreadsheet, included organisational details such as contact information, leadership and areas of work, alongside comments characterising some NGOs as critics of Israel or supporters of BDS.
Which organisations were mentioned?
The document included references to several international humanitarian organisations, including Oxfam, Defence for Children International, Mundubat, Norwegian Refugee Council, World Vision International, Medical Aid for Palestinians and Medico International.
Some entries described organisations as being “active in BDS” or involved in anti-Israel campaigning.
How has Oxfam responded?
Oxfam rejected the characterisation contained in the document, saying the comments reflected allegations rather than objective assessments.
The organisation said it does not support or promote the BDS movement and stated that its work is conducted under established humanitarian principles and international law.
What have analysts said about the document?
Tania Hary, Executive Director of Israeli rights organisation Gisha, said the document appeared to demonstrate monitoring of humanitarian organisations rather than addressing security concerns.
Mayssoun Sukarieh, a senior lecturer at King’s College London, said the document reflected a period when Israel was increasing scrutiny of organisations linked to the growing BDS movement.
Giovanni Fassina of the European Legal Support Center said the document illustrated what he described as Israel’s broader efforts to monitor organisations associated with BDS advocacy.
What is the significance of the timing?
The spreadsheet was reportedly created in October 2013, when the international BDS campaign was gaining momentum through academic, religious and civil society initiatives advocating economic and political pressure on Israel over its policies toward Palestinians.
Observers cited in the report said the document predated Israeli legislation introduced in 2017 that bars entry to certain foreign nationals who support the BDS movement.
What broader concerns have been raised?
The report comes amid continuing debate over Israel’s relationship with international humanitarian organisations operating in the occupied Palestinian territories and Gaza.
Humanitarian groups have previously raised concerns over operational restrictions, access to Gaza and administrative requirements imposed by Israeli authorities, while Israel has maintained that such measures are necessary for security reasons.