Investigators examining approximately 70 charities associated with the Israel-Palestine dispute for alleged crimes such as fraud, larceny, instigating religious enmity, or backing terrorism.

In the ongoing conflict in Gaza, a significant development has emerged as the remains of two Israeli hostages, including Ilan Weiss, were recovered earlier this week. Weiss, a 56-year-old man who was killed during Hamas's onslaught while defending Kibbutz Be'eri, had been held by Hamas for 693 days.

According to official statistics, 48 hostages now remain in Gaza, with Israeli authorities believing only 22 are still alive. The identification process of the second body is being carried out at a forensics institute.

The Israeli military declared Gaza City 'a dangerous combat zone' earlier this week, and the IDF had been implementing military pauses in the Strip to facilitate the distribution of humanitarian supplies. However, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the IDF will suspend the pause in the region where around half of Gaza's 2.1 million residents are sheltering.

The ongoing conflict has also led to investigations into charitable organisations. At least 70 charities, out of over 300, have been referred for investigation, with offences such as fraud, theft, inciting religious hatred, and supporting terrorism under scrutiny. The Chabad Lubavitch centres in north-east London and Essex received a warning for setting up a fundraiser for an Israeli soldier.

It's important to note that charities cannot directly support a soldier of a foreign power. Over 300 regulatory cases have been opened by the watchdog involving charities with an Israeli or Hamas focus in the past 18 months. However, there are no publicly available records from the Charity Commission indicating investigations in the last 18 months specifically targeting organizations with an Israeli or Hamas focus.

The Charity Commission is investigating groups supporting different sides of the Middle East conflict, with at least 70 charities linked to the war in Gaza having been referred to police for potential criminal activity.

The death toll in Gaza continues to rise, with more than 63,000 Palestinians reportedly killed during the war, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

Netanyahu reiterated his commitment to the safe return of all hostages, saying: 'We will not rest or be silent until we return all of our hostages home - both the living and the dead.' His statement underscores the urgent need for a resolution to the conflict and the safe return of all those still held captive.

Investigators examining approximately 70 charities associated with the Israel-Palestine dispute for alleged crimes such as fraud, larceny, instigating religious enmity, or backing terrorism.