Third investigation into leading Palestinian charity

Britain's Charity Commission is to launch a new investigation into London-based Palestinian charity Interpal, despite being cleared of any wrong-doings in two previous inquiries.

The fresh investigation comes after allegations made in a BBC documentary in July that claimed funds from Interpal had helped build support for Hamas resistance movement.

It said Thursday it had been told by the commission that this time the most serious form of inquiry was being launched, giving them wide powers of investigation including the freezing of funds even though there was no immediate intention to do this.

There are "concerns about the potential for indirect and inappropriate links" between Interpal and organisations or individuals who appear to support activities of Hamas, a spokesman was quoted saying.

In its last investigation in 2003, the Charity Commission reported that it was unable to substantiate claimed made by the US Treasury that Interpal was leading a European "funding network" for Hamas.

It was followed by the charity winning an apology last December from the British Board of Deputy Jews for branding it as a "terrorist organizations" after lengthy legal proceedings.

The charity, which spends around Pnds 5 million (Dlrs 9.5 m) a year, says that it is solely to provide relief and development aid for Palestinians around the world and has no party allegiances.