NEW YORK: The United States has announced that it will deny visas to representatives of the Palestinian Authority (PA) for next month’s United Nations General Assembly session.
According to international news agencies, the U.S. State Department said Secretary of State Marco Rubio has decided to cancel or reject visas for members of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and the PA.
The move is described as a national security measure by the Trump administration, citing that the PLO and PA have failed to honor their commitments and have undermined peace prospects.
The State Department also accused the Palestinian leadership of engaging in “lawfare” by pursuing cases against Israel at the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice, and urged the PA to halt unilateral efforts to secure recognition of a Palestinian state.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gadiyon Saar welcomed the decision, calling it “courageous” and expressing gratitude for the U.S. standing with Israel.
In contrast, French President has announced plans to recognize a Palestinian state during a special meeting scheduled a day before the General Assembly session.
It remains unclear whether the U.S. visa restrictions will apply to all Palestinian officials. The decision has also cast doubt on Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’s participation in the General Assembly.
UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric emphasized the importance of all states and observers, including Palestinians, participating in high-level meetings ahead of the General Assembly and expressed hope that the issue would be resolved promptly.
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