The prosecution of a Gaza aid worker for funnelling funds to Hamas will have come as no surprise to those well-versed in the region.

The Israeli authorities have known for years that much so-called aid ends up funding terror. But the allegation that Mohammad El Halabi, WorldVision's director of operations in Gaza, was doing just that, has clearly shocked many others who plainly believe that when they hand over their money in well-meaning acts of charity, the money ends up doing good.

As Avi Dichter has pointed out, however, recent cases are merely the tip of the iceberg. Mr Dichter refers to the "hideous naivety" of donors, whether individuals, NGOs or states. But it is about more than just naivety. It stems from the idea that since Israel is the villain of the piece, it is incumbent on everyone to aid its victims.

That means not so much turning a blind eye to reality as not being in any way bothered by it. So best not to check what actually happens to the money. Because one really doesn't want to find anything too unsavoury.