US designates Palestine Action as terrorist group, cites alleged attacks

The United States Department of the Treasury announced it has designated UK-based Palestine Action as a terrorist organization, saying the group supported numerous acts of terrorism since July 2020 and alleging physical injuries to UK law enforcement and intimidation of commercial enterprises.

The Treasury statement, issued by Secretary Scott Bessent, said far-left extremists, their fronts and enablers will face economic tools aimed at cutting financial lifelines until such groups are eliminated.

Palestine Action co-founder Huda Ammori responded on social media, calling the designation hypocritical and stating the group’s actions were always about saving lives.

The US move follows the UK government’s 2025 ban on supporting Palestine Action under anti-terror legislation. The group has been challenging the UK ban in courts and received permission to appeal to the Supreme Court after the Court of Appeal earlier found the government’s interference with freedom of expression to be justified and proportionate.

In June, four Palestine Action members received prison sentences after a break-in at a defence firm that caused over £1m in damage; one member was convicted of causing grievous bodily harm to a police officer by striking with a sledgehammer.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

The Treasury links the designation to alleged acts since July 2020, including reported injuries to UK police and efforts to intimidate businesses, and frames the action as part of a broader campaign addressing far-left groups.

Palestine Action’s ongoing legal challenge in the UK Supreme Court and prior convictions of members are cited in the announcement and the background provided by both US and UK officials.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• US Treasury designated UK-based Palestine Action as a terrorist organization, citing alleged attacks since July 2020.
• US statement from Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized use of economic measures against far-left extremism.
• Palestine Action disputes the label; co-founder Huda Ammori condemned the designation and defended the group’s motives.
• UK banned support for Palestine Action in 2025; the group is appealing to the Supreme Court after Court of Appeal rulings and member convictions for a damaging break-in.