British broadcaster GB News has issued a formal apology and provided substantial financial compensation to UK-based charity Islamic Relief after airing baseless allegations linking the humanitarian organization to terrorist financing. The false claims originated from Emirati influencer Amjad Taha during a February 16th episode of The Camilla Tominey Show, where he erroneously stated Islamic Relief was “sending money all the way to some terrorist groups in the Middle East.
In September, GB News published a clarification acknowledging the allegations were completely unfounded, stating: “We accept the allegation that Islamic Relief has funded terrorist groups is untrue. Islamic Relief has stated it does not promote or support extremism of any kind and that it is a purely humanitarian organization.” The network has subsequently removed the controversial segment from all platforms and broadcast an on-air apology.
Islamic Relief welcomed the resolution, with a spokesperson emphasizing the particular offensiveness of the accusations given that their humanitarian workers have themselves been victims of terrorist violence. The spokesperson noted these false claims perpetuate dangerous disinformation that threatens both staff and beneficiaries.
The incident reflects broader geopolitical tensions, as the United Arab Emirates has historically targeted Islamic Relief, attempting to portray it as an extension of the banned Muslim Brotherhood. Taha’s comments referenced the organization’s proscription in both the UAE and Saudi Arabia, as well as its operating ban in Israeli-occupied West Bank.
This case highlights the emerging influence of Gulf-based media figures like Taha, who present as analysts while promoting normalization with Israel and defending UAE foreign policy across Middle Eastern and African conflicts. Taha has additionally attempted to connect the Sudanese army to both Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas affiliations, coinciding with UAE support for the opposing Rapid Support Forces paramilitary group in Sudan’s ongoing civil war.
A 2023 New Yorker investigation previously revealed UAE financing of smear campaigns against Islamic Relief, attempting to falsely associate its officials with extremist organizations.