U.S. Sanctions British-Based Activist Over Alleged Hamas Ties, Pressuring UK Government

The Trump administration has intensified pressure on British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s government by imposing sanctions on a London-based activist accused of working on behalf of Hamas, according to recent reports.

On January 21, the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced it was “taking action against Hamas’s covert links to nonprofit organizations,” specifically naming six Gaza-based groups and the Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad (PCPA).

American officials identified the PCPA as an overseas front organization for Hamas and designated Zaher Birawi, 64, as a “senior official” in the terrorist group through his leadership role in the organization. The Treasury Department stated Birawi is a founding member of the PCPA and serves on its general secretariat.

“Hamas continues to show a callous disregard for the welfare of the Palestinian people,” said John K. Hurley, the U.S. Undersecretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, in a statement. He emphasized that “the Trump administration will not look the other way while Hamas leadership and enablers exploit the financial system to fund terrorist operations.”

According to the Treasury Department, the PCPA has been used to “clandestinely expand” Hamas’ international influence and fundraising capabilities. This allegedly included supporting flotillas attempting to reach Gaza, some of which received public backing from prominent activists like environmental campaigner Greta Thunberg.

The sanctions have placed significant pressure on the United Kingdom, which has reportedly been reviewing potential counterterrorism measures against Birawi for several weeks. The U.S. action has prompted calls from British politicians for their government to follow suit.

Chris Philp, the UK Shadow Home Secretary, expressed approval of the U.S. decision, stating it was “good to see” America taking action. He added, “Under no circumstances should Britain be a place of sanctuary for anyone involved in or supportive of terrorist organizations like Hamas.”

Alex Hearn of Labour Against Antisemitism noted that despite the U.S. designation, Birawi continues to broadcast from London and organize flotillas. Lord Austin of Dudley has urged UK authorities to examine the American intelligence “very carefully” before making their own determination.

Birawi, who has resided in the Barnet area of north London for more than three decades, chairs the Palestine Forum in Britain and has been a prominent organizer of pro-Palestinian demonstrations throughout London. He has previously been identified in the British Parliament as a security concern, and Israel designated him as a Hamas member in 2013 – allegations he has consistently denied.

In 2023, Birawi defended himself as a “law-abiding British citizen” and rejected claims of Hamas connections, stating that his work focuses solely on “defending the national and human rights of Palestinians who survive under occupation.”

The U.S. sanctions represent another point of diplomatic coordination between the Trump administration and Starmer’s government on Middle East policy, following their February 2025 White House meeting where the leaders discussed various international security issues.

The case highlights ongoing tensions in Western approaches to Palestinian advocacy organizations and the complex task governments face in distinguishing between legitimate humanitarian work and activities that may support designated terrorist groups. It also demonstrates the Trump administration’s continued pressure on allies to align with its hardline stance against Hamas and its alleged international support networks.

As of publication, neither Birawi nor Prime Minister Starmer’s office had responded to requests for comment on the sanctions.