A Trump sanctions move puts the UK on the spot as US intel flags a potential terror threat

The Trump administration has escalated pressure on British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer after imposing sanctions on a London-based activist accused by U.S. intelligence of working on behalf of Hamas. The move has raised fresh questions about how the U.K. will respond to figures flagged by American counterterror authorities. The story was also highlighted by Fox News.

The sanctions were announced on January 21 by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control. They target Zaher Birawi, 64, who has lived in the U.K. for more than 30 years and is accused by U.S. officials of acting as a senior Hamas figure through his leadership of the Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad. OFAC also designated the PCPA itself, along with six Gaza-based groups, stating the organization operates as a front to facilitate Hamas activities overseas.

U.S. officials allege Birawi used the PCPA to expand Hamas’ international influence and fundraising efforts, an assertion that has driven heated debate reminiscent of the tension over Trump’s insistence on territorial moves like the push for Greenland acquisition, which has triggered criticism abroad about how Trump refuses to rule out war for Greenland and stirred responses from allied governments. These activities included supporting flotillas aimed at reaching Gaza, some of which have received public backing from high-profile activists. The designations are intended to cut off financial and organizational support tied to Hamas operations abroad.

The move leaves London little room to maneuver

The Treasury Department laid out its rationale through Undersecretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence John K. Hurley. Hurley said Hamas has shown “a callous disregard for the welfare of the Palestinian people” and stressed that the Trump administration would not ignore what it sees as exploitation of the financial system to support terrorism.

The U.S. action places additional pressure on Starmer’s government, which had already been reviewing potential counterterrorism measures related to Birawi. With Washington now taking formal action, the U.K. faces renewed scrutiny over whether it will pursue its own steps based on the intelligence provided, even as domestic political discourse in the U.S. continues to burn on related controversies, like how Gavin Newsom has just one word for world leaders who are with Trump’s latest move.

Reaction from British officials has varied, but generally acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp welcomed the sanctions, saying Britain should never serve as a sanctuary for individuals involved in or supportive of terrorist organizations. Lord Austin of Dudley also urged the government to examine the U.S. intelligence carefully before determining its next move.

Others have pointed out that Birawi remains publicly active despite the designation. Alex Hearn of Labour Against Antisemitism said Birawi continues to broadcast from London and organize flotillas, underscoring concerns about enforcement and response.

Birawi lives in Barnet in north London and chairs the Palestine Forum in Britain. He has been named in Parliament as a security concern, and Israel designated him a Hamas member in 2013. Birawi has repeatedly denied the allegations, stating in 2023 that he is a law-abiding British citizen and that his work focuses on advocating for Palestinian national and human rights.