How is Britain’s covert war against pro-Palestine organizations?

Pars Today – Two UK-based pro-Palestine civil society organizations have reported that their bank accounts have been indefinitely frozen.

According to Pars Today, "Greater Manchester Friends of Palestine" and "Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign"—groups that organize peaceful protests—announced that Virgin Money and Unity Trust Bank have cut off their access to financial accounts indefinitely. These measures have heightened concerns about the suppression of voices critical of Israel. 

Owen Cooper, treasurer of Greater Manchester Friends of Palestine, stated that their group has operated peacefully for over a year and a half without any legal violations, yet Virgin Money provided no explanation for the account closure. He added: "If this happened simply because the word 'Palestine' appears in our bank account name, it’s extremely alarming. This is deeply disappointing for a country that claims to uphold free speech and liberal democracy." 

Cooper emphasized that this move has halted food and medical aid to Gaza and the West Bank, stating: "We don’t have access to F-35 fighter jets or 500-pound bombs to fund. This money was for food and medicine." 

Meanwhile, the British government has designated the civil society group "Action for Palestine" as a terrorist organization, sparking widespread protests. During the third consecutive week of demonstrations against this decision, police arrested 55 pro-Palestine activists. 

Under the UK government’s new law, mere membership in the group—or even symbolic support—could lead to up to 14 years in prison. British media report that the decision followed intensified pressure from pro-Israel lobbying groups. 

"Action for Palestine", known for direct actions against arms companies supplying the Zionist regime, is the first civil society group to be listed alongside Daesh and Al-Qaeda under anti-terror laws.

MG/ME