Israeli authorities charged Thursday Spanish woman Juana Ruiz Sanchez under the country's anti-terrorism laws, accusing her of funneling large sums of donations from European governments to a banned Palestinian terrorist organization.
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Sanchez's indictment was the culmination of a more than year-long investigation into financing for the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. The group is regarded by Israel, the United States, Canada, and European Union as a terrorist organization.
Sanchez, who is married to a Palestinian, has worked for Health Work Committees, a Palestinian organization that provides medical services in the territory.
She was indicted on Israeli terrorism-financing offenses and other charges. The HWC's senior accountant, former accountant and former purchasing department manager were expected to be charged with similar offenses in the coming days, according to the Shin Bet.
Sanchez, 62, had been held by Israeli authorities under administrative detention since her arrest at her home near Bethlehem on April 13.
Spain's Foreign Ministry, which has provided her with consular assistance, said it would continue talking to Israeli authorities to improve detention conditions for Sanchez. The ministry also said Spain has controls to prevent aid money from reaching military groups.
"We are open to examine any information that our partners want to share with us," it said.
Sanchez's hearing is scheduled for Monday. In the meantime, she remains in jail. She denies all the charges.
The Shin Bet began investigating the PFLP's finances following an August 2019 attack when terrorists detonated an explosive device and killed 17-year-old Rina Shnerb, and wounded her brother and father, an Israeli official said.
The investigation found at least seven Palestinian charities had funneled tens of millions of euros donated by European governments and organizations for humanitarian purposes to PFLP coffers.
The Israeli official said the probe found that the HWC, along with other aid organizations, including the Union of Agricultural Work Committees and Addameer, "act under PFLP leadership and in accordance with the organization's directives, as a cover for promoting the PFLP's activities and funding."
The Health Works Committees did not respond to requests for comment and PFLP representatives declined comment.
The Foreign Ministry has called on European governments to step up oversight of donations to Palestinian organizations to ensure they don't wind up funding groups outlawed by the EU.
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