Landmark Ruling in Favor of Palestine Action by UK High Court

Feb 14, 2026
International

Image: Protesters outside the Royal Courts of Justice, London, UK (Collected. Al Jazeera. Jamie Joy/Reuters)

International Desk | PNN

On Friday, the UK High Court issued a landmark ruling declaring that the government’s decision to ban the pro-Palestinian group ‘Palestine Action’ as a terrorist organization was legally invalid. Following the ruling, the group’s co-founder Huda Ammori said:

"The government’s action has backfired, increasing our organization’s popularity and public support."

Founded in 2020, Palestine Action mainly aims to challenge Israel’s war crimes and the UK’s involvement. Their primary strategy involves direct action against UK branches of Israel’s largest arms manufacturer, Elbit Systems, to disrupt production.

Huda Ammori explained the group’s approach:

"We go directly to the source to stop the production of these deadly weapons. It is like breaking a door to save children from a burning building. Our ultimate goal is the liberation of Palestine and the complete eradication of Israel’s arms trade."

Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government faced intense political pressure to stop the group’s activities. Since 2015, the group has used red spray as symbolic blood in various protest campaigns. Following allegations of trespass at Elbit Systems’ Bristol branch and Oxfordshire airbase under the "Filton 24" operation, the government declared the group banned.

The High Court judges observed:

"Palestine Action is primarily engaged in direct action to achieve political objectives. While some isolated activities may involve extremism, overall, it cannot be classified as terrorism."

Widespread protests occurred across the UK in response to the ban. Nearly 3,000 citizens were arrested for carrying placards stating, “I am anti-genocide, I support Palestine Action.” Ammori argued that the government was illegally repressing its own citizens.

Although the High Court declared the ban illegal, due to the government’s appeal, the ban remains legally enforceable. UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood expressed disappointment with the ruling and pledged to continue the legal battle.

Finally, Huda Ammori stated confidently:

"This unjust ban on Palestine Action will be lifted soon. We have won the initial victory in the High Court, and we will win the appeal as well."