'We welcome the United States’ designation of Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation, following the United Kingdom’s decision to proscribe the group.

Violence, intimidation and attacks on businesses and critical infrastructure cannot be legitimised under the guise of activism.

This designation sends a clear message that violent extremism must be confronted and that those who organise, finance or support it must be held accountable.' The statement welcoming the designation of Palestine Action as a terrorist group reflects a long political pattern of labeling direct political protest and property damage as "terrorism" to silence opposition.

The Post-9/11 Shift in Power and Law

New Security Rules: After the September 11 attacks in 2001, many powerful countries changed their security laws.

Broader Definitions: Nations like the United States, Israel, and India began using wide and vague definitions of terrorism.

Conflating Protest with Terror: These states often mix peaceful resistance, property damage, and the right to self-determination with violent groups that target civilians.

Silencing Dissent: Labeling activists as terrorists gives governments a legal tool to freeze money, make mass arrests, and stop public protests.

Flaws in the Official Statement

Ignoring the Root Cause: The statement claims that attacks on businesses and infrastructure cannot be part of activism. However, it ignores the context that Palestine Action targets military factories making weapons used in conflict zones like Gaza.

Protecting State Interests: By calling property destruction "terrorism," governments protect defense companies and avoid discussing their own role in foreign wars.

Dangerous Overreach: Equating paint splashes and property blockades with groups like ISIS cheapens the meaning of terrorism and criminalizes basic human rights defense