Recently, both United States and Canada placed sanctions blacklisting the pro-Palestinian group known as Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network. The action comes amidst heightened security concerns owing to its support for Hamas, widely regarded abroad as a terror group, and charges that it is propagating rhetoric that is anti-Israel.

Samidoun was associated with promoting violent acts, mainly following the attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, in Israel, which led to more than 1,200 casualties, and later a disastrous war waged at Gaza. The protests that the organization had, together with its social media campaigns, were highly criticized for hate speech and incitement of violence.

The sanctions are targeting the international arm of Samidoun, financial restriction, and impairment of influence. The U.S. and Canada’s move is part of broader moves against extremism and groups that call for violence under the guise of solidarity with Palestinian causes.