US designates Palestine Action a terrorist group

August 26, 2026

The United States Treasury Department has designated Palestine Action, a UK-based activist organization, as a terrorist group and imposed financial sanctions that freeze any US-based assets or those controlled by American citizens. This designation follows the UK's own 2025 ban of the group under anti-terrorism laws, which Palestine Action is currently challenging through the British Supreme Court. The US accusations center on claims that the organization has supported terrorism since 2020, including incidents that injured law enforcement and targeted Israeli-linked defense companies.

Who is affected

Palestine Action (the organization and its members)
Huda Ammori (co-founder of Palestine Action)
More than 2,000 people facing potential trial for allegedly supporting the banned group during protests
Four members already jailed for factory break-in and assault on a police officer
UK law enforcement personnel (cited as injured in group's actions)
Israeli-linked arms companies and defense firms in the UK
US citizens with potential connections to the group's assets

What action is being taken

The US Treasury Department is freezing Palestine Action's assets located in the US or controlled by US citizens
Palestine Action is challenging its UK ban at the Supreme Court
More than 2,000 people are facing ongoing trials for allegedly declaring support for the proscribed group

Why it matters

This designation represents a significant escalation in how Western governments are responding to activist organizations that target defense industry facilities, particularly those with Israeli connections. The dual bans by both the UK and US effectively criminalize not only the organization's activities but also expressions of support for it, raising important questions about the boundaries between direct action protest and terrorism, and the balance between national security concerns and freedom of expression rights. The case has broader implications for how democratic societies classify and respond to politically motivated activism.

What's next

Palestine Action's challenge will be heard at the UK Supreme Court
More than 2,000 arrested protesters will potentially face trial
The Trump administration indicated it plans to continue imposing sanctions against what it characterizes as far-left terror organizations globally

Read full article from source: BBC