TheUnited States has once again denied an entry visa to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, preventing him from attending the upcoming UN General Assembly in New York, according to Palestinian sources cited by the BBC.
This decision follows the US announcement of extended visa sanctions on Palestinian officials, who are accused of not fulfilling their commitments to the peace process, though Abbas was not specifically named.
The sanctions were first imposed last August, when visas were denied to 80 Palestinian officials seeking to attend the annual UN meeting.
In its statement, the US accused the Palestinian Authority and the Palestine Liberation Organization of glorifying terrorism and seeking to internationalize the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The Palestinian Authority was established under the Oslo peace accords, while the PLO was recognized as the official representative of the Palestinian people following its recognition of Israel and renunciation of violence.
The Palestinian foreign ministry described the visa sanctions as an unjustified action that undermines efforts to rebuild trust, enhance Palestinian-US relations, and foster conditions for the two-state solution and peace.
Palestinian officials have rejected accusations from the Trump administration and Israel, asserting their right under international law to seek accountability from an occupying power.
Following last year’s visa denial, a representative for Abbas stated that the action contradicted international law and the UN Headquarters Agreement.
While the UN Headquarters Agreement obligates the US to permit access for foreign diplomats to the UN in New York, Washington maintains it can deny visas based on security, extremism, or foreign policy concerns.
Last year, Abbas addressed the General Assembly via video link when denied in-person attendance.
All 193 UN member states are anticipated to vote on Thursday regarding whether Abbas will be permitted to address the assembly virtually again this year.
The State of Palestine is recognized by approximately 75% of the UN’s 193 member states, including the UK, France, Canada, and Australia.
Among the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, the US is the only one that has not recognized a Palestinian state.
