​Charity claims independent audit clears it of terrorist charges by Israel and UAE

An independent audit has clearedIslamic Relief Worldwide of terrorist links, according to the charity.

Accusations against it were first made by Israel and later by the United Arab Emirates which banned the work of the organisation.

The allegations mostly centred on Islamic Relief’s work in the occupied West Bank.

An audit was commissioned by the organisation which has now been submitted to the Charity Commission which governs charities in England and Wales.

A spokesperson for the charity said: “We made the difficult decision to suspend our programmes in the West Bank and commissioned an independent investigation. That investigation examined our projects, partnerships, finances and staffing in the West Bank.

"It looked in great detail at the thorough systems and processes that we have developed over many years to ensure both that our work benefits those in genuine need and that no money gets into the wrong hands.”

Islamic Relief was founded 30 years ago and works in more than 40 countries. Its work ranges from health and education projects to help with orphans. In 2013, the government gave the charity £3.2m through its international development arm, the Department for International Development (DfID).

The Charity Commission said the organisation followed required procedures.

"The charity explained its response to the designation incident to us, which included launching independent external and internal investigations," said a spokesperson.

"The trustees have acted appropriately by informing the regulator proactively and promptly, both in relation to the designation and the more recent designation by the United Arab Emirates."