Columbia University Sued for Alleged Ties to Hamas Propaganda Efforts

Organizers of pro-Palestinian demonstrations at Columbia University face a lawsuit alleging they acted as a PR arm for Hamas. Filed by victims of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, the suit accuses them of coordinating efforts with the terrorist group, potentially violating U.S. antiterrorism laws.

A lawsuit has been filed in Manhattan federal court against organizers and supporters of pro-Palestinian demonstrations at Columbia University. The complaint alleges that the groups operated as a propaganda and public relations arm for Hamas both in New York City and on campus.

The case was initiated by nine U.S. and Israeli citizens affected by Hamas' October 7 attack on Israel. It includes relatives of those murdered or taken hostage and two affiliated with Columbia who reported mistreatment. Defendants are accused of coordinating with Hamas, deemed a terrorist group by the U.S. State Department, and some allegedly had foreknowledge of the attacks.

Khalil, Mahmoud, a key figure in the demonstrations and communication between university administrators and student groups, is among the named defendants. Also accused are Within Our Lifetime-United for Palestine, Columbia Students for Justice in Palestine, and other student group leaders. Khalil's lawyers assert no ties to Hamas, and he is currently detained in a deportation case. The complaint claims unlawful support for a foreign terrorist organization, seeking unspecified damages.

(With inputs from agencies.)