US Sanctions Palestinian Authority and PLO Officials

The United States announced sanctions targeting officials of the Palestinian Authority (PA) and members of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), denying them U.S. visas under national security authority, the State Department confirmed.

Under Section 604(a)(1) of the Middle East Peace Commitments Act of 2002 (MEPCA) and the PLO Commitments Compliance Act of 1989, U.S. officials alleged the PA and PLO violated key obligations by pursuing legal actions against Israel at the International Criminal Court (ICC) and International Court of Justice (ICJ), thus “internationalizing the conflict”.

The statement further accused both entities of undermining peace efforts by supporting terrorism through incitement, glorification of violence in educational materials, and financial support to convicted terrorists and their families.

“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,” emphasized the State Department.

The sanctions come as U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff travels to Israel to support ceasefire negotiations and efforts to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Though the U.S. declined to name individuals, the visa restrictions apply broadly to all members of the PA and PLO as part of a sweeping policy move.

This diplomatic escalation coincides with mounting global pressure on Israel and the PA. Several Western nations, including Portugal, France, and the UK, are considering recognizing a Palestinian state in the UN General Assembly later this year—a step endorsed by Germany as part of a two-state solution roadmap.

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