Washington has expanded its campaign against groups it describes as violent extremist organisations, adding the UK-based pro-Palestinian movement, Palestine Action, to its global terrorism sanctions list.
The United States on Wednesday designated Palestine Action a “specially designated global terrorist” organisation, accusing the group of supporting acts of terrorism.
The move follows the British government’s decision to ban the group – a measure Palestine Action is challenging and which has sparked widespread protests and thousands of arrests. Human rights groups have also criticised the ban, warning that it could criminalise political dissent.
Founded in 2020, Palestine Action says it campaigns against what it describes as global participation in Israel’s actions against Palestinians.
The U.S. also designated Italy-based Autistici/Inventati, also known as the A/I Collective, and the pro-Palestinian group Masar Badil as terrorist organisations.
A U.S. State Department spokesperson described the groups as “violent far-left terrorist groups,” while Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington would use economic sanctions to cut off their financial networks.
The designation adds a new international dimension to the growing debate over Palestine Action and the limits of protest, activism and government action against groups accused of political violence.
