‘Critic to Israel’: Document reveals how Israel scrutinised global NGOs

A spreadsheet accessed by Al Jazeera through an Israeli ministry website reveals how Israel systematically collected and catalogued information on international humanitarian organizations during 2013. The document listed more than 150 charities with basic organizational details including leadership names, contact information, and operational focus areas.

Beyond standard directory information, the spreadsheet contained a comments section that flagged approximately 15 organizations with assessments of their positions on Israeli-Palestinian issues. Designations included descriptions such as "critic of Israel" for France-based Premiere Urgence Internationale, "involved in anti-Israel campaigning" for Geneva-based Defence for Children International, and "highly involved in BDS" for Spain-based Mundubat. The document also characterized Oxfam as "active in global BDS efforts" and suggested the organization encouraged NGOs to support projects in occupied territories without Israeli Civil Administration approval.

Oxfam responded to Al Jazeera by stating that the characterizations "appear to reflect allegations and interpretations, rather than an objective assessment" of its work, and explicitly denied supporting or promoting the BDS movement. The organization emphasized its commitment to international humanitarian law and noted that Israeli settlements violate international humanitarian standards.

Tania Hary, executive director of Gisha, an Israeli NGO focused on Palestinian freedom of movement, characterized the document as evidence of government surveillance rather than a security measure. She described it as proof of decades-long tracking of organizations providing humanitarian assistance to Palestinians under occupation. The spreadsheet originated from Israel's Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs, which did not respond to Al Jazeera's request for comment.