Zaher Birawi, a well-known Palestinian-British journalist, broadcaster, and political activist, has expressed profound shock and dismay following a decision by the United States Department of the Treasury to place him on its official Sanctions List.
Mr. Birawi, who was born in the West Bank in 1961, moved to the United Kingdom to study during the 1990s and has resided there ever since. Over the decades, he has established a prominent profile within British-Arab media and civil society circles, working as a television journalist and media figure while taking on leadership roles within organizations such as the EuroPal Forum. He is also recognized globally as a founding member of the International Freedom Flotilla Coalition, an activist movement dedicated to breaking the naval blockade on Gaza and delivering humanitarian aid via maritime missions.
Last week, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced that it had officially designated both Mr. Birawi and the Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad (PPCA)—an organization that Mr. Birawi also helped found—under Counter-Terrorism (Sanctions) Regulations. The unilateral executive action alleges ties to Hamas, an accusation that Mr. Birawi has categorically and vehemently denied.
Categorical Rejection of the Designation
In a comprehensive press statement issued today, Mr. Birawi addressed the U.S. Treasury’s decision head-on, stating that he entirely rejects the designation. He argued that the move is fundamentally flawed, built upon inaccurate intelligence, and entirely devoid of a sound legal foundation.
Highlighting what he views as a critical procedural failure, Mr. Birawi noted that prior to the issuance of the sanction decision, he was never contacted by any competent United States authority—either directly or indirectly—for the purpose of an inquiry, verification, or an opportunity to provide clarifications or supporting documents. He emphasized that this lack of communication effectively deprived him of his fundamental right to respond to the allegations, present his side of the story, and correct any erroneous information recorded about him.
Furthermore, the British activist pointed out the legal limitations of the designation. He stressed that the measure does not constitute a judicial finding, was never issued by any court of law, and represents a unilateral executive action executed purely under U.S. domestic law. Because it is not backed by any United Nations Security Council resolution or similar international mandate, it does not create binding legal obligations outside of the American legal framework. He underscored that the listing should not be interpreted as a finding of criminal liability or wrongdoing under British, European, or international law.
Legal Consultation and Past Compliance Clearance
In response to the designation, Mr. Birawi announced that he is actively consulting with a specialized legal team. Together, they are determining the appropriate legal steps required to formally challenge the decision, request a thorough administrative review and reconsideration, and petition for the removal of his name from the sanctions list in accordance with established regulatory procedures.
Drawing on his past experiences, Mr. Birawi noted that he has previously encountered and successfully navigated false allegations through formal legal and compliance channels. Those prior allegations, he stated, were ultimately dismissed, and his name was subsequently cleared and removed from international compliance databases—such as World-Check—after authorities established that incorrect information had been recorded.
Reiterating his innocence, Mr. Birawi stated unequivocally that he has never knowingly or intentionally maintained any operational, financial, or organizational relationship with any entity designated on international terrorism lists, nor has he ever provided material or financial support to such organizations.
"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," Mr. Birawi said in his statement.
Clarification on Organizational Involvement
Addressing specific aspects of the U.S. Treasury’s rationale, Mr. Birawi provided explicit clarification regarding his historical involvement with the Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad (PPCA). He confirmed that while he did participate in the founding conference of the organization and was subsequently elected to its General Secretariat during its inaugural term spanning from 2017 to 2021, he has not held any operational or leadership role within the conference since that term concluded.
As a high-profile figure within the advocacy community for Palestinian rights, Mr. Birawi’s work has frequently intersected with international solidarity campaigns. His role in the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, in particular, has placed him at the center of high-visibility political and humanitarian initiatives aimed at drawing global attention to the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.
Concluding his statement, Mr. Birawi expressed absolute confidence that an objective, independent, and fair review of the matter will ultimately demonstrate that the sanctions imposed against him are completely unjustified. He affirmed that he looks forward to correcting the administrative and factual error as swiftly as possible in order to safeguard his legal rights, his personal integrity, and his professional reputation as a journalist and campaigner.