Victims of Terrorism Get a Legal Breakthrough

The highest court in the United States has just given a big boost to victims of terrorism. This decision allows families of those hurt or killed in attacks in the Middle East to sue Palestinian authorities. The Supreme Court backed a law from 2019 that lets these lawsuits move forward. The attacks happened in the early 2000s and in 2018. They left 33 people dead and hundreds injured. The victims and their families believe that Palestinian agents were either involved in the attacks or encouraged them. The Palestinians have always said these cases should not be heard in American courts. However, the Supreme Court's decision now allows these victims to seek justice in the U. S. legal system. This is not the first time these lawsuits have been in the spotlight. Back in 2016, a federal appeals court in New York ruled against the victims. The court said U. S. courts could not hear cases against foreign groups for attacks that did not directly target the United States. The victims had sued under a law passed in 1992. This law was created to help victims of international terrorism. It was sparked by the killing of an American, Leon Klinghoffer, during a 1985 terrorist attack on a cruise ship. In 2018, the Supreme Court initially rejected the victims’ appeal. But Congress stepped in and changed the law to make sure the victims could still pursue their cases. This change was crucial in allowing the lawsuits to go forward. The attacks were brutal and left deep scars. The victims and their families have been fighting for justice for years. This recent decision by the Supreme Court is a significant step forward in their quest for accountability. The legal battle is far from over. But this decision gives hope to the victims and their families. It shows that the U. S. legal system is willing to stand up for those affected by terrorism.