Ofac claimed that he “materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of, the PCPA.”
In the UK, HM Treasury is also reportedly investigating allegations concerning Zaher Birawi following claims made in Parliament that he represents a “security risk” due to his alleged links to the Islamist terror group.
A British national, Birawi is a media and public relations spokesperson at the Palestinian Forum in Britain (PFB) and was a presenter on the Al Hiwar TV channel for more than a decade up until September 2023.
Having moved to Britain from the West Bank in the early 1990s, he was described by Israeli authorities in 2013 as a senior Hamas operative in Europe.
Following the Government’s recognition of the State of Palestine in September last year, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he would take action over suspected Hamas officials and operatives in Britain.
Birawi has helped to organise several protests against Israel in London since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war.
In 2023, he denied any link to Hamas, saying: "I am a law-abiding British citizen of Palestinian origin who carries out his obligations as an activist defending the national and human rights of Palestinians who survive under occupation.”
Zaher Birawi (R) at an award ceremony for the Association of Students for Palestinian Advocacy in November 2024 (Image: Instagram/ZaherBirawi)[Missing Credit]
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said it is “good to see” the US take action against Birawi.
“Under no circumstances should Britain be a place of sanctuary for anyone involved in or supportive of terrorist organisations like Hamas.
“The police must investigate Birawi for terror offences immediately, and the prime minister should make good on his word, follow the US’s lead, and sanction him.
“Hamas brutally murdered, raped and kidnapped over one thousand innocent women and men. Their supporters have no place in this country.”
Labour MP Joani Reid, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group Against Antisemitism, said that the UK “should now move to impose its own sanctions”.
"Individuals who support of facilitate Hamas should not be able to organise or operate openly in Britain. Our sanctions framework exists for these circumstances and should be used decisively,” she added.
And Alex Hearn from Labour Against Antisemitism said: “While the US Treasury sanctions Zaher Birawi for his role in Hamas's European operations, he continues to broadcast from London, organise flotillas, and chair organisations designated as terror-affiliated.
“Britain's failure to act against someone named in parliament as a senior Hamas operative is a glaring security failure. The UK can no longer afford to be a safe haven for Hamas's international network.”
Birawi has been approached for comment.
