According to the State Department, the PA and PLO violated the Middle East Peace Commitments Act of 2002 by appealing to the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice in efforts to hold Israel accountable for alleged war crimes. These actions were characterized as attempts to internationalize the conflict and circumvent direct negotiations.

The department also accused the PA of promoting violence, glorifying attacks, and financially supporting individuals convicted of carrying out such acts. Educational content, including school textbooks, was cited as another tool used to “incite terrorism.”

The U.S. said these behaviors necessitated consequences. “It is in our national security interests to impose consequences and hold the PLO and PA accountable for not complying with their commitments,” the announcement stated.

Broader Context Of War And Diplomatic Friction

The sanctions come amid Israel’s nearly 22-month-long war in Gaza, which has left over 60,000 Palestinians dead and triggered international legal proceedings against Israeli officials. The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant in 2024 over alleged war crimes. Simultaneously, states such as South Africa have brought genocide cases before the International Court of Justice.

Despite increasing global calls for accountability, the U.S. has maintained staunch support for Israel, opposing international legal actions and providing military assistance. The recent sanctions against the PA are part of a broader pattern: in June, Washington sanctioned ICC judges, and earlier in July, it imposed measures on UN special rapporteur Francesca Albanese for her criticism of Israel.

The move also comes as several Western governments—including France, the United Kingdom, and Canada—signal intentions to recognize a Palestinian state at the upcoming UN General Assembly. President Trump, however, has dismissed such recognition efforts as a reward for Hamas, further entrenching divisions between the U.S. and its allies over the handling of the Gaza war and the Palestinian question.