An internal Israeli government document from 2013, obtained by Al Jazeera, details how Israel collected information on more than 150 international charities, singling out some for their perceived stances on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly their alleged involvement with the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement.

The file, a spreadsheet accessed via an Israeli ministry website, listed basic details for each organization, including director names, addresses, and contact information. However, a significant portion of the document’s “comments” column contained remarks about 15 specific charities, categorizing them based on their alleged criticism of Israel or involvement in anti-Israel campaigns.

Among the highlighted organizations was Spain-based Mundubat, described as “highly involved in BDS.” France-based Premiere Urgence Internationale was noted as a “critic of Israel,” while Geneva-based Defence for Children International was labeled as “involved in anti-Israel campaigning.” Oxfam was identified as being “active in global BDS efforts” and allegedly encouraged NGOs to support projects in the occupied West Bank, even those not approved by Israeli authorities.

This revelation suggests a concerted effort by the Israeli government to monitor and potentially act against humanitarian organizations perceived as hostile to its policies. The document’s existence raises questions about the intersection of humanitarian work, political advocacy, and government surveillance, and the implications for NGOs operating in or reporting on the Israeli-occupied territories.

Oxfam, in response to the document's findings, stated that the comments appeared to be "allegations and interpretations, rather than an objective assessment" of its work. The organization rejected claims of supporting the BDS movement and affirmed its adherence to international law, noting that Israeli settlements themselves violate international humanitarian law.

Tania Hary, executive director of Gisha, an Israeli NGO advocating for Palestinian freedom of movement, described the document as evidence that the Israeli government has been tracking organizations involved in "life-saving work for Palestinians living under Israel’s brutal occupation for decades." She asserted that such activities "have nothing to do with security."

Many of the comments within the spreadsheet cite NGO Monitor, an Israel-based organization that describes itself as a research institute. NGO Monitor’s public activities include mapping what it refers to as the "anti-Israel NGO network." The spreadsheet was reportedly obtained through the Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs, which did not respond to Al Jazeera's request for comment.

The document's publication in 2026 sheds light on Israeli government practices from 2013, a period when the BDS movement was gaining international traction. It underscores the ongoing tension between governments seeking to counter boycotts and advocacy groups asserting their right to protest and promote human rights through such means.