US judge allows terror victims' lawsuit against PA, PLO over 'pay-for-slay' to proceed- interview

A US federal judge denied a motion by the Palestinian Authority and PLO to dismiss a lawsuit by American victims of Palestinian terrorism over 'pay-for-slay' payments. Judge Colleen McMahon ruled that the PA's public commitment to pay prisoners who commit terrorism can constitute assistance under the Antiterrorism Act. The plaintiffs include Stuart Force and Hananel Gez, whose relatives were killed in attacks. The PA and PLO have until September 15 to answer.

A US federal judge has allowed a lawsuit by American victims of Palestinian terrorism against the Palestinian Authority and the PLO to proceed, rejecting the defendants' motion to dismiss. The lawsuit, brought by Stuart Force and Hananel Gez, alleges that the PA's financial support for terrorists encouraged two Hamas attacks that killed American citizens. Judge Colleen McMahon ruled that the PA's public commitment to pay prisoners who commit acts of terrorism can constitute assistance under the Antiterrorism Act. The plaintiffs' lawyer, Mark Goldfeder, said the court's decision means the case will be decided on evidence. The PA and PLO have until September 15 to answer the complaint. The lawsuit could result in treble damages under the Antiterrorism Act, citing the 2025 Supreme Court case Fuld v. PLO.