UK Police Warn of Arrests After Palestine Action Terror Ban

Israeli expatriates and leftist Jewish groups in the U.S. are organizing protests in Washington, D.C., and New York against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit, calling for an end to the Gaza war, hostage releases, and humanitarian aid to Palestinians. Meanwhile, in the UK, the government has proscribed the activist group Palestine Action as a terrorist organization, making membership or support a criminal offense punishable by up to 14 years in prison. The Metropolitan Police have warned protesters that supporting Palestine Action—through chanting, displaying flags or signs, or attending related events—will lead to arrests under the Terrorism Act 2000. Despite a last-minute legal challenge by Palestine Action failing, the ban has been upheld, and police have cautioned that any criminal offenses at protests will be prosecuted. Demonstrators planning to gather in Parliament Square with signs supporting Palestine Action have expressed their refusal to be silenced despite the risk of terrorism convictions. The Home Office emphasized its commitment to national security and condemned the group's history of criminal damage, which led to the proscription decision supported by an overwhelming majority in Parliament.