U.S. Designates Palestine Action as Global Terrorist Organization
In a notable move, the U.S. government has officially labeled the UK-based activist group Palestine Action (often referred to as Pal Action) as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). This designation comes as part of the U.S.’s broader efforts to enhance its counterterrorism strategies both domestically and internationally.
On Wednesday, the Department of the Treasury announced this decision, which effectively freezes any assets related to the organization within the U.S. Additionally, it prohibits U.S. citizens and institutions from conducting any financial dealings with Palestine Action.
This action places Palestine Action alongside various extremist groups in the U.S. sanctions database, part of a larger initiative aimed at addressing what officials classify as violent far-left networks across the globe.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent backed this designation, referencing a history of unlawful activities linked to the group over several years.
“Far-left terrorism poses a profound threat to the United States and the broader West. Today, the United States sanctioned several transnational far-left terrorist networks, including Autistici/Inventati – a major far-left tech collective whose services are used by the most active…”
— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) August 26, 2026
U.S. officials have accused Palestine Action of orchestrating property destruction and infiltrating defense infrastructure, resulting in millions in damages to military contractors like Elbit Systems and even injuring law enforcement personnel.
Authorities have also expressed concern over the group’s social media presence, claiming that its promotional materials incite similar disruptive actions in the U.S. and along the U.S.–Mexico border.
This U.S. action follows the British government’s earlier decision to classify Palestine Action as a terrorist organization under the UK Terrorism Act. This marked a historic first, as it was the initial instance of a direct-action protest movement being banned in modern British history, leading to numerous arrests for merely displaying signs or voicing support for the group.
Though lower courts initially upheld the ban after various incidents at defense sites and military bases, the UK Supreme Court has recently consented to hear a final legal challenge regarding whether the ban breaches civil liberties and the right to peaceful protest.
In response to the sanctions, Huda Ammori, co-founder of Palestine Action, criticized the U.S. government’s actions and asserted that the group’s efforts aim to “save lives by disrupting military supply chains” that facilitate operations in Gaza.
