US sanctions Palestinian Authority, PLO officials
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The US sanctions officials from the Palestinian Authority and PLO, accusing them of hindering Gaza ceasefire talks as the Israeli-made humanitarian crisis deepens.
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Trump speaks with then-Senator Marco Rubio during a campaign rally on Nov. 4, 2024, in Raleigh, NC (AP)
The United States imposed sanctions on Palestinian Authority officials and members of the Palestine Liberation Organization, accusing them of undermining peace efforts as US officials work to allegedly salvage ceasefire talks in Gaza, with the measures announced on Thursday.
The sanctions bar those targeted from obtaining US travel visas, though the State Department did not name specific individuals.
"It is in our national security interests to impose consequences and hold the PLO and PA accountable for not complying with their commitments and undermining the prospects for peace," the State Department said in a statement, adding that the two Palestinian groups had "taken actions to internationalize its conflict with Israel," including through the International Criminal Court.
Both have continued "to support terrorism," the statement further claimed.
The sanctions were announced as US special envoy Steve Witkoff prepared to arrive in "Israel" on Thursday to push for progress in Gaza ceasefire talks and address the worsening humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian enclave.
PA responds
The Palestinian Authority's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the incitement against the Palestinian people, the PLO, the PA, and its diplomatic cadres, calling for "urgent international protection."
The ministry emphasized that the escalating campaigns come against the backdrop of Palestinian diplomatic achievements and the recognition of the State of Palestine by influential countries.
It warned against the Israeli occupation exploiting such campaigns to escalate its arbitrary measures against the Palestinian people, their institutions, their leadership, and their diplomatic cadres.
The ministry reiterated its call on all countries and the international community to "assume their responsibilities in stopping the liquidation and genocide to which our people are being subjected."
Humanitarian situation in Gaza reaches abysmal lows
The sanctions come as Gaza's Ministry of Health reported earlier on July 31 that 111 Palestinians were killed and 820 others were injured in 24 hours amid continuing Israeli military operations across the Gaza Strip.
Since the start of the war on October 7, 2023, Gaza health authorities report the cumulative casualties have reached 60,249 fatalities and 147,089 injuries across the territory, while from March 18, 2025, to present, the figures show 9,081 killed and 35,048 wounded in the ongoing hostilities.
Aid organizations criticized on Wednesday "Israel’s" recently announced 'humanitarian' measures in Gaza, such as daily pauses in fighting, airdropped supplies, and limited aid corridors, saying they are inadequate and fail to address the worsening famine.
These steps, introduced on Sunday under growing international pressure, have not eased the severe restrictions on aid access, aid workers told The Guardian.
Humanitarian groups blame "Israel’s" ongoing blockade as the primary driver of the starvation crisis. Despite the deepening emergency, Israeli airstrikes continue, with at least 104 people killed in 24 hours, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
