LONDON — Prominent Palestinian-British journalist and activist Zaher Birawi has expressed profound shock and indignation after the United States Department of the Treasury placed him on its official sanctions list.
Mr Birawi, a well-known figure within British-Palestinian media circles and a founding member of the International Freedom Flotilla Coalition, was targeted by the US authorities over alleged ties to Hamas. The designation was enacted under the Counter-Terrorism (Sanctions) Regulations, a move that Mr Birawi has categorically and forcefully denied.
The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), an enforcement agency of the US Department of the Treasury, announced the decision last week. Alongside Mr Birawi, the agency officially designated The Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad (PPCA), an organization that Mr Birawi helped establish.
Born in the West Bank in 1961, Mr Birawi moved to the United Kingdom to pursue his studies in the 1990s and has resided in the country ever since. Over the decades, he has built a prominent career as a television journalist, commentator, and media figure, while also holding significant leadership positions within organizations such as the EuroPal Forum, advocating passionately for Palestinian rights through lawful and public platforms.
In a comprehensive press statement issued in response to the Treasury’s announcement, Mr Birawi did not mince words regarding the unilateral nature of the decision.
"I categorically reject this designation and believe it is based on inaccurate information and lacks a sound legal foundation," Mr Birawi stated. "I would also like to state clearly that, prior to the issuance of this decision, I was not contacted by any competent US authority, directly or indirectly, for the purpose of inquiry, verification, or to provide clarifications or supporting documents. This deprived me of the opportunity to exercise my fundamental right to respond and to correct any incorrect information."
Emphasizing the jurisdictional limits of the measure, the statement continued: "It is important to note that this designation does not constitute a judicial finding, was not issued by any competent court, and represents a unilateral executive measure taken under U.S. domestic law. It is not based on any United Nations resolution and does not create binding legal obligations outside the U.S. legal framework. It should not be understood as a finding of criminal liability or wrongdoing under UK or international law."
Mr Birawi’s activism has frequently brought him into the international spotlight, most notably through his work with the International Freedom Flotilla Coalition, an international movement that has consistently organized maritime missions aiming to break the ongoing blockade of the Gaza Strip and deliver humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians. These high-profile missions have regularly attracted international human rights defenders, politicians, and activists from across the globe.
In the wake of the OFAC announcement, Mr Birawi revealed that he is actively consulting with a specialized legal team to determine the most effective legal steps to formally challenge the decision. His legal strategy will involve requesting a comprehensive review and reconsideration from the relevant authorities, with the ultimate goal of securing the complete removal of his name from the sanctions list.
Addressing past scrutiny, Mr Birawi pointed out that he has successfully navigated similar compliance hurdles before. He noted that he had previously faced unsubstantiated allegations that were thoroughly pursued through formal legal and compliance channels. Those earlier allegations were ultimately dismissed, and his name was formally removed from international compliance databases, including World-Check, after it was independently established that incorrect and misleading information had been recorded about his background and activities.
"I reiterate unequivocally that I have never knowingly or intentionally had any operational, financial, or organisational relationship with any entity designated on terrorism lists, nor have I provided material or financial support to any such organisation," Mr Birawi said. "I am a British citizen, a journalist, and a political activist who conducts his work in full compliance with British, European, and international law, and who is committed to peaceful political engagement and the lawful exercise of freedom of expression."
Turning to his association with The Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad (PPCA), Mr Birawi clarified the exact nature and timeline of his involvement. He acknowledged that he participated in the organization’s founding conference and was subsequently elected to its General Secretariat during its inaugural term spanning from 2017 to 2021. However, he stressed that he has not held any official role, position, or administrative responsibility within the conference since that initial term concluded.
Concluding his public statement, Mr Birawi reaffirmed his unwavering confidence that an objective, thorough, and independent review of the facts will demonstrate the complete lack of justification for the sanctions imposed upon him. He emphasized that he looks forward to correcting the administrative and factual errors as swiftly as possible in order to protect both his legal rights and his long-standing professional reputation as a journalist and campaigner.