WASHINGTON – The United States has imposed new sanctions on members of the Palestinian Authority (PA) and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), citing efforts to “undermine peace” and alleged support for terrorism.
The sanctions, announced on Thursday by the State Department under the Trump administration, include visa restrictions against individuals affiliated with the PA and PLO. The move follows accusations that both groups violated international agreements, particularly the Middle East Peace Commitments Act of 2002.
“It is in our national security interests to impose consequences and hold the PLO and PA accountable for not complying with their commitments and undermining the prospects for peace,” the statement read.
The US administration accused the groups of attempting to “internationalize the conflict with Israel” by seeking legal redress at international bodies such as the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The PA and PLO have also been accused of continuing support for terrorism, including payments to the families of convicted militants and promoting anti-Israel narratives in educational materials.
This latest move comes against the backdrop of Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza, which has lasted nearly 22 months and resulted in over 60,000 Palestinian deaths, according to UN estimates. Human rights experts have likened the operation to a genocide. The situation has also exacerbated humanitarian concerns due to widespread hunger resulting from Israel’s blockade.
In the occupied West Bank, violence and illegal settlements have surged since the war began on October 7, 2023, with nearly 1,000 Palestinians killed by either Israeli forces or settlers.
Israel is currently facing several legal challenges internationally. In November 2024, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes in Gaza. Additionally, South Africa and other nations have filed cases at the ICJ, accusing Israel of committing genocide.
Despite growing international criticism, the US remains a steadfast supporter of Israel, providing extensive military aid and opposing legal actions against its ally. Recently, the US sanctioned ICC judges and a UN special rapporteur, Francesca Albanese, who had publicly condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza.
The Trump administration’s measures come as several Western nations — including France, the UK, and Canada — prepare to support Palestinian statehood recognition at the upcoming UN General Assembly in September. President Trump, however, has dismissed such moves as symbolic and warned that recognising Palestine would “reward” Hamas, which rivals the PA for control.
Observers note growing division even within Trump’s Republican base. Some members of the party’s MAGA faction have begun describing Israel’s tactics in Gaza as “genocide,” signalling potential shifts in conservative perspectives on the conflict.
Source: Al Jazeera
