Is direct action for Palestine 'terrorism'? The UK says it is

The UK government has designated Palestine Action, a pro-Palestinian direct action group known for nonviolent protests against arms manufacturers, as a terrorist organization alongside groups like ISIS and al-Qaeda.

This unprecedented move criminalizes membership and support for the group, with penalties of up to 14 years in prison, even though Palestine Action's tactics have been limited to property damage without harming individuals.

Critics, including civil liberties organizations and commentators, see this as an abuse of counterterrorism laws aimed at suppressing dissent and restricting the right to protest, especially within the Palestine solidarity movement.

Activists highlight the broader context of state repression under "war on terror" policies that increasingly curtail civil freedoms and equate protest with extremism.

Despite the crackdown, solidarity campaigners vow to continue their activism, challenging the prescription legally and emphasizing that the movement's spirit cannot be banned.

Key excerpt: "The British government was able to designate it as a terrorist group anyway, because the definition of terrorism is very broad and includes serious damage to property." - Hil Aked

• The UK government designated Palestine Action as a terrorist group despite their nonviolent direct actions against military suppliers.
• This broad terrorism definition includes serious property damage but no harm to people, illustrating overreach.

• After the ban, protesters intentionally broke the law at Parliament Square to show opposition.
• Their arrest aimed to underscore the absurdity of equating peaceful protest with terrorism.