In June 2025, the UK government classified Palestine Action, a UK-based group, as a terrorist organization under the Terrorism Act 2000, a move that has sparked controversy and accusations of political motivations. Critics, including legal experts, argue that this decision represents an attempt to suppress dissent and divert attention from the UK's potential complicity in alleged war crimes in Gaza.

Hassan Ben Imran, a legal advisor at Law for Palestine, stated that the proscription of Palestine Action was "not a security decision, but a political one," further describing it as "an unprecedented escalation in the criminalisation of Palestine solidarity in the United Kingdom." Palestine Action members have engaged in non-violent direct action, targeting facilities linked to Israel's arms industry operating within the UK, including Elbit Systems sites and British military infrastructure. These actions were aimed at disrupting what the group perceives as the UK's complicity in the "Gaza genocide."

The UK government's decision comes amidst sustained political and diplomatic support for Israel during its military operations in Gaza. The UK has also supplied components for F-35 fighter jets, raising questions about its role in the conflict. The government's stance is that it is acting within its rights to protect national security and combat terrorism. However, critics argue that the proscription of Palestine Action is a disproportionate response that stifles legitimate protest and freedom of expression.

The Terrorism Act 2000 grants the government broad powers to designate organizations as terrorist groups, allowing for the freezing of assets, criminalizing membership, and increasing surveillance. The application of this act to Palestine Action has raised concerns about the definition of terrorism and the potential for its misuse to suppress political dissent.

The debate surrounding the UK's actions highlights the complex interplay between national security, freedom of expression, and international law. The situation raises questions about the role of governments in addressing allegations of war crimes and the extent to which they should tolerate dissent in the name of national security. The proscription of Palestine Action remains a contentious issue, with legal challenges and public protests ongoing. The next steps will likely involve further legal proceedings and continued scrutiny of the UK's policies towards Palestine and Israel.