US designates UK-based Palestine Action as foreign ‘terrorist group’

On Wednesday, the United States officially classified the UK-based Palestine Action group as a terrorist organization, intensifying its campaign against left-wing movements. The designation comes after Israel's recent military campaign in Gaza, following Hamas' Oct 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel. Palestine Action, founded in 2020, is appealing its UK government ban, which has led to thousands of arrests.

The group's stated goal is to end global participation in Israel's genocidal and apartheid regime. US President Donald Trump has directed his administration to label far-left groups as terrorist organizations since returning to power for a second term. Wednesday's US action also designated Italy-based Autistici/Inventati and pro-Palestinian group Masar Badil as terrorist organizations.

US State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggot and Secretary of State Marco Rubio described these groups as violent far-left terrorist entities, warning of consequences for those who wage war on their civilization and undermine law and order. The US Treasury Secretary announced that Washington would use all its economic tools to cut the financial lifelines of far-left groups until they are eliminated.

Palestine Action's co-founder, Huda Ammori, criticized the UK ban and US designation, stating that it should be a wake-up call for those who value free speech and civil liberties. Palestine Action's activities in the US and abroad have consistently aimed to disrupt Israel's war machine, which she claims is committing genocide in Gaza with US government support.