• The UK government has banned Palestine Action, classifying it as a terrorist organization.
• Protests supporting Palestine Action have led to over 25 arrests on terrorism charges.
• The ban follows allegations of vandalism linked to Palestine Action at RAF Brize Norton.
• Critics argue the ban poses a threat to free speech and conflates protest with terrorism.
• A legal appeal against the ban is set for July 21, as supporters continue to voice opposition.

The UK government has officially classified Palestine Action as a terrorist organization, marking a significant escalation in its response to pro-Palestinian activism. This proscription comes in the wake of an incident where Palestine Action activists allegedly vandalized two military aircraft at RAF Brize Norton, resulting in an estimated £7 million in damages. Under the new legislation, membership in or expressed support for the group is punishable by up to 14 years in prison, according to aa and Middle East Eye.

Following the ban's enactment on July 5, over 25 protesters were arrested in London while demonstrating in support of Palestine Action. The arrests occurred in Parliament Square as demonstrators held placards condemning the government's actions, proclaiming, "I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action." The Metropolitan Police confirmed that arrests were made under the Terrorism Act 2000, citing the necessity to enforce the new classification and prevent any support for the proscribed group, as reported by Al Jazeera and BBC.

The legal challenge to pause the ban, led by Huda Ammori, co-founder of Palestine Action, was dismissed by the High Court, which upheld the government's decision. The court noted that the assessment to proscribe the group had been initiated months prior to the recent incidents and dismissed claims that the government's actions were politically motivated, according to Channel News Asia and South China Morning Post.

The ban has sparked widespread condemnation from human rights organizations, civil liberties advocates, and even UN experts, who argue that it conflates legitimate protest with terrorism and encroaches on fundamental rights. Critics are alarmed by the precedent it sets for limiting freedoms of expression and assembly, with Palestine Action calling the situation a "dystopian nightmare" that could criminalize thousands overnight, as noted by TRT Global and Middle East Eye.

Among those arrested during protests was Reverend Sue Parfitt, an 83-year-old retired priest who vocally opposed the ban. Parfitt's arrest has drawn significant media attention and further highlights the civil liberties debate surrounding the UK's handling of protests related to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, according to aa and TRT Global.