PLO and PA Terror Payments Accountability Act of 2024
If enacted, HB9160 will expand the existing sanctions framework to include any foreign person or entity that financially supports the PLO and PA’s compensation mechanisms linked to terrorism. The President is empowered to impose specific sanctions against these entities, potentially restricting their access to U.S. financial systems, which may discourage international financial institutions from associating with these organizations. This act aims to hold the PLO and PA accountable for their continuing policies that facilitate terrorism, particularly in light of recent violent incidents attributed to these groups.
House Bill 9160, known as the 'PLO and PA Terror Payments Accountability Act of 2024', seeks to impose sanctions on entities associated with the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and the Palestinian Authority (PA) involved in providing compensation to individuals engaged in terrorist activities. The bill highlights the findings that these organizations allocate significant financial resources as payments to terrorists and their families, incentivizing acts of terrorism. The legislation builds on previous efforts, including the Taylor Force Act of 2018, which aimed to curb U.S. assistance to the PA unless certain conditions regarding terrorism payments were met.
The legislation has the potential to complicate international relations and could be contentious, especially in diplomatic discussions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Critics may argue that these sanctions could exacerbate humanitarian crises within Palestinian territories and hinder peace efforts. Additionally, there could be concerns regarding the definition of terrorism and whether the bill could unintentionally impact civilians or non-terroristic organizations that may receive funding through the PLO and PA.