US Supreme Court Revives Lawsuits Against Palestinian Authority
The U.S. Supreme Court has breathed new life into lawsuits filed by American victims of alleged terrorist attacks against the Palestinian Authority (PA). The justices unanimously overturned a lower court ruling that had dismissed the claims, sending the cases back for further consideration.
The legal actions involve claims brought under the Anti-Terrorism Act, which allows U.S. nationals to seek damages for injuries caused by international terrorism. The plaintiffs allege that the PA was complicit in attacks that took place in Israel between 2005 and 2006.
The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New York had previously sided with the PA, asserting that U.S. courts lacked jurisdiction over the entity in these particular cases. However, the Supreme Court disagreed, clarifying that the Anti-Terrorism Act does grant U.S. courts the authority to hear such claims when there is a sufficient connection to the United States.
Justice Brett Kavanaugh, writing for the court, stated that the 2nd Circuit’s jurisdictional analysis was flawed. He emphasized that the key question is whether the PA had sufficient contacts with the United States to justify the exercise of jurisdiction, a matter that the lower courts must now re-examine.
While the Supreme Court’s decision does not guarantee a victory for the plaintiffs, it allows them to continue pursuing their claims in U.S. courts. The cases will now return to the lower courts to determine whether the PA’s connections to the United States are substantial enough to warrant jurisdiction.
This ruling marks a significant development in the long-running legal battle, offering a renewed opportunity for American victims of terrorism to seek justice and compensation from the Palestinian Authority.
