US court lets NY trial proceed over PLO objections

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

The 2nd U.S. Circuit of Appeals said Tuesday that the PA and PLO had not demonstrated any “exceptional circumstances” that would warrant blocking the trial.

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. 13. The attacks killed 33 people and wounded hundreds more, including scores of U.S. citizens.

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