Over PLO objection, appeals court lets NY trial of $1B lawsuit over Israel attacks go forward

NEW YORK – A federal appeals court has chosen not to block a New York trial next week over a $1 billion lawsuit brought by U.S. terrorism victims against the Palestinian Authority and the Palestine Liberation Organization.

Instead, the 2nd U.S. Circuit of Appeals on Tuesday said it will quickly consider PA and PLO claims that a U.S. court has no jurisdiction in the case.

The trial over litigation brought by victims of seven shootings and bombings near Jerusalem between January 2001 and February 2004 is scheduled to start Jan. 12. The attacks killed 33 people and wounded hundreds more, including scores of U.S. citizens.

PLO and PA attorneys did not immediately return messages seeking comment. Attorney Kent Yalowitz said plaintiffs were pleased with the appeals ruling.