Federal Appeals Court Reinstates $655M Verdict Against Palestinian Authority

Ruling comes over 20 years after Second Intifada attacks that killed American citizens.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 4:06pm

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of an empty government office or courtroom interior, with warm sunlight streaming through windows and deep shadows, conveying a sense of the weight of history and the ongoing legal struggle for accountability.The long legal battle for justice continues as a federal appeals court reinstates a major financial judgment against the Palestinian Authority over deadly terrorist attacks.NYC Today

A federal appeals court in New York has reinstated a $655.5 million damages judgment against the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Palestinian Authority over a series of terrorist attacks during the Second Intifada in the early 2000s that killed or injured American citizens.

Why it matters

This ruling marks a significant legal victory for the families of American victims of Palestinian terrorist attacks, providing them with a substantial financial judgment after a lengthy legal battle. The case also raises broader questions about accountability for state-sponsored terrorism and the ability of US courts to hold foreign entities liable for attacks on American citizens.

The details

The original judgment was awarded in 2015 by a federal jury in New York, but was later overturned on appeal. The appeals court has now reinstated the full $655.5 million award, finding that the evidence clearly showed the Palestinian Authority and PLO provided material support for the attacks that killed 33 people and wounded hundreds more.

  • The Second Intifada, a period of intense Israeli-Palestinian violence, occurred from 2000 to 2005.
  • The original $655.5 million judgment was awarded by a federal jury in New York in 2015.
  • The appeals court ruling reinstating the judgment was issued on April 6, 2026.

The players

Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO)

A political and paramilitary organization that represented the Palestinian people and was a key player in the Second Intifada attacks.

Palestinian Authority

The interim self-government body established in 1994 to govern parts of the West Bank and Gaza, which was found liable for providing material support to the terrorist attacks.

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What they’re saying

“This ruling is an important victory for the victims and their families, who have waited over 20 years for justice and accountability.”

— Nitsana Darshan-Leitner, Attorney representing the victims

What’s next

The Palestinian Authority and PLO are expected to appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court, continuing the long-running legal battle.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex legal and political challenges in holding foreign entities accountable for terrorist attacks on American citizens, as well as the perseverance of victims' families in seeking justice decades after tragic events.