The United States has denied entry to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, blocking him from attending the upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session scheduled for September.
According to the US State Department, the decision also includes the revocation of visas for around 80 additional Palestinian representatives. The move comes at a time when several countries are reportedly preparing to recognize the State of Palestine at the UN.
“It is in our national security interest to hold the PLO [Palestine Liberation Organization] and the Palestinian Authority (PA) accountable for failing to fulfill their commitments and for undermining prospects for peace. To be considered as partners in the peace process, the PLO and the PA must consistently reject terrorism,” the State Department said.
Despite the ban on Abbas, the Palestinian mission to the UN remains unaffected, as its observer status – similar to that of the Vatican – shields it from such restrictions.
A UN spokesperson confirmed that the issue of visa refusals will be discussed directly with the US State Department.
Meanwhile, the Palestinian President’s Office expressed shock at the decision, calling it a violation of the 1947 UN Headquarters Agreement, which obliges the United States to allow foreign diplomats access to the UN headquarters in New York.
